He began boxing when he was 16 years old and trained under the late Bud Fair, of Fort Dodge.

After a long and distinguished amateur career, he turned pro. He fought 48 professional bouts and was the International Boxing Organization’s super featherweight champion in 1993 and 1994.

His exploits in the ring were detailed in a 2022 book called “The Belt of Wisdom.”

But life after hanging up the boxing gloves has been fulfilling for him as well. Some of his time is spent with young people, encouraging them to get back up if life knocks them down.

His retirement life is described in a book to be released Tuesday called “John Roby: Life After Boxing.”

Like many athletes, Roby found it hard to retire. He compared retiring from boxing to a superhero hanging up his cape.

“You don’t want to give it up,” he said. “It’s something in your blood.”

But competing at a high level wears a person down, he said.

“Time will catch you,” he said. “Mother Nature steps in.”

He said he knew it was time to retire when he realized “the cranking power is not there.”

The book details how Roby came to realize that although his boxing career was done, his ability to contribute to those around him was far from over.

“If you have a strong positive attitude, it will carry you a long way,” he said.

What’s next for him?

“Everybody just hold your breath,” Roby said.

“John Roby: Life After Boxing” will be available on Amazon.com. He is planning a Fort Dodge book signing event.