Antonio Gates Will Retire with a Ring

SI Staff | Apr 16, 2015

Antonio Gates Will Retire with a Ring

After eight rounds, Ronnie Austion (l.) won an unanimous decision over Dedrick Bell of Memphis. (Jeffrey Kowalsky for The MMQB)

After eight rounds, Ronnie Austion (l.) won an unanimous decision over Dedrick Bell of Memphis. (Jeffrey Kowalsky for The MMQB)

Antonio Gates’ great grandfather was a pro boxer in Detroit, and he grew up idolizing fighters such as Tommy Hearns. (Jeffrey Kowalsky for The MMQB)

Antonio Gates’ great grandfather was a pro boxer in Detroit, and he grew up idolizing fighters such as Tommy Hearns. (Jeffrey Kowalsky for The MMQB)

Hearns, the Motor City Cobra, working out at Kronk Gym in 1980, and sitting ringside at last Friday’s fights promoted by Gates. (Paul Kennedy for Sports Illustrated :: Jeffrey Kowalsky for The MMQB)

Hearns, the Motor City Cobra, working out at Kronk Gym in 1980, and sitting ringside at last Friday’s fights promoted by Gates. (Paul Kennedy for Sports Illustrated :: Jeffrey Kowalsky for The MMQB)

Gates began promoting boxing matches in 2013, setting himself up for life after football while giving back to his hometown. (Jeffrey Kowalsky for The MMQB)

Gates began promoting boxing matches in 2013, setting himself up for life after football while giving back to his hometown. (Jeffrey Kowalsky for The MMQB)