Irish boxer Bernard Dunne, who was named Boxer of the Year at the National Boxing Awards in Belfast last month, has decided to hang up his gloves.
Dunne, 30, announced the end of his professional boxing career on Friday.
"For the past 25 years boxing has been my life but now it is time for a fresh start", the former WBA Regular Super Bantamweight World Champion said.
"I am being honest to myself, to my family and to my supporters with this decision.
The Neilstown boxer lost his WBA super-bantamweight title to Thai Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym at the O2 Arena in Dublin last September.
The Irishman, 29, was floored three times in the third and needed medical attention in the ring after being knocked down.
Dunne, who had won his WBA super-bantamweight title in March 2009, had undergone intensive training ahead of his first title defense, under the watchful eye of Belfast-based trainer Harry Hawkins.
"Thankfully I have realised all my dreams and achieved all my goals since I followed my dad into boxing. To win a world title is something I will never forget and something I am so proud of and I would like to thank everyone who helped make that possible," Dunne said.
Manager Brian Peters said the boxer had his full backing and support.
"We've had a number of discussions since Bernard lost his World title last September and having scaled the heights he has as a World and European Champion he believes that now is the right time to walk away and I am 100% behind that decision," Peters said.
"Bernard is retiring safe in the knowledge that he has established himself as an Irish sporting icon."
© UTV News