“The injuries take their toll,” says 36-year-old Baars in the video on her Instagram channel. “I’ve given everything I could to this sport, but now it’s time to hang up my gloves.”
In an emotional video, Baars expresses her gratitude to everyone who contributed to her impressive career. She names her father, who died suddenly in 2006, her family, trainers, sponsors and even her opponents.
Absolute World Top
Baars can look back on a glorious career of 29 years at competition level. She won no fewer than twelve world titles, four Dutch titles and four European titles. A record that places her among the absolute world top.
She fought her last match in November last year in Alkmaar against nineteen-year-old German Lea Anna Züfle. In a dominant battle over five rounds, Baars managed to achieve victory. However, that win did not come without effort. “I actually wanted to fight tactically, but she just didn’t give me any room for that. So I had to work full steam ahead,” said the twelve-time world champion at the time on NH Radio.
What now?
In the video, Baars looks back on her achievements with pride. Yet she is now focusing on new chapters in her life. “I have my own gym, and I have also found a very different and fun hobby with motorcycle racing on the circuit. And of course I will have a lot of fun with my little friend, Sjakie, my dog.”
With this step, Baars ends an impressive sporting era and begins a new adventure outside the ring.