How To Retire Properly: Just Ask Peter Buckley

There's a good chance you've never heard of Peter "The Professor" Buckley.

The 39-year-old super-featherweight and boxing journeyman has decided it's time to call it a career after 300 bouts, his last fight coming Friday night in which he scored a four point decision over his opponent Matin Mohammed.

It was Buckley's first win since 2003 and one of only a dozen wins he's had throughout what many call a lopsided career.  As he hung up the gloves following his final victor, he finished his career with a record 32 wins, 12 draws and an incredible 256 losses, the worst record of anyone still actively involved in the sport. 

No one can accuse Buckley of going out on top.  It's fair to say he went on bottom. But at least he went out and with a certain amount of dignity. 

Buckley set a goal for himself.  He decided after his 300th bout, he would call it a career, win, lose, or draw.  There was no teary news conference called, no hint or clue that he may return at a later date to try and improve on his dismal record.  In fact, when asked if he would return should the opportunity arrive, Buckley dismissed the idea.

"People keep saying to me that I'll get a call in a few weeks time offering me a fight and I'll say yes, but I mean it when I say this is it."

Definitive, precise, no room for extrapolation.  If only Brett Favre and Mats Sundin could be so decisive.

It's fair to say that, as a New York Jet, Favre hasn't had an easy go of it.  He currently leads the NFL in interceptions, is regularly booed by Jets fans and has even been accused of trying to sabotage his former Green Bay Packers.  It has not been an auspicious return.

Even his wife, in an interview with ESPN, didn't offer a ringing endorsement of her husband when asked if she ever wished her husband has stayed retired.

"I would like to see him retire without any serious injuries. Um, he needs to save something for us, a little bit for us."

Mats Sundin has been more or less off the radar since the Toronto Maple Leafs ended the 2007-08 season.  There's been a shopping list of teams after the former Leafs captain, including the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Tampa Bay Lightning.  There's word the Anaheim Ducks are actively trying to secure the services of Sundin.

For his part, Sundin has been wishy-washy about his future and while he has never ruled out retirement, he has given no indication where he'd like to continue his career.  Some would say he's being cautious, other would accuse him of being hesitant which, for a NHL star, is a tag you don't want.

Favre made a decision to retire but then called an audible, much to his detriment. He's now with a city that has been less than enthusiastic about its new quarterback.  Sundin hasn't made a decision at all and that's even worse. 

Buckley, however, is done.  He has thrown in the towel, pleased that he will no longer have to take punches to the face.  Sure, he may have the worst record in boxing but at least he's going out secure in the knowledge he's made the right decision—made a decision, period—which is more than can be said for Favre and Sundin.