Former unified world bantamweight champion Ryan Burnett has announced his retirement aged just 27.
The Belfast fighter cited a series of injuries as the reason behind his decision to hang up his gloves.
An accomplished amateur who grabbed gold at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, Burnett won the IBF bantamweight title in 2017 in his native Belfast with a defeat of Lee Haskins and went on to add the WBA (Unified) title in his next bout after seeing off Kazakh pugilist Zhanat Zhakiyanov.
He suffered the only loss of his professional career against Nonito Donaire last November when he tore a muscle mid-fight and was forced to retire.
His career ended on a winning note, knocking out Jelbirt Gomera in six rounds at the Ulster Hall back in May.
Reflecting on his decision, Burnett said: "Although my retirement is forced through injuries, I carry a heart full of satisfaction and gratitude. I have achieved my childhood dream and secured my future heath, which is something no amount of money or titles can provide."
