Video: Sheffield boxer Ryan Rhodes hangs up gloves

The 35-year-old southpaw, beaten by Sergey Rabchenko in an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the European light-middleweight title, confirmed he was bowing out of the game at an emotional press conference at Napoleon’s Casino in Hillsborough.

Rhodes, whose record reads 46 victories, 31 by knockout, and six defeats, lost two of last three bouts. It was just over a year ago he was stopped by Mexican Saul Alvarez in Guadalajara in the 12th round of their WBC world title showdown. Rhodes, a two-time British title holder, was beaten three times on the world stage.

He said: “I am going to retire. It is the right time to bow out of boxing. I have had a fantastic career. I have won everything apart from a world title.

“It is a massive decision because boxing is all I have done for nearly 30 years. It is all I have ever known.

“I want to thanks all my family, friends and especially the fans who have been so good to me over the years. I intend to stay involved in boxing and perhaps help somebody else to win the world title I always wanted. Watch this space.”