Former Irish, British and European champion Matthew Macklin has announced that he will retire from boxing.
Born in Birmingham to parents who hailed from Roscommon and Tipperary, Macklin had an impressive record in the ring, with just six losses in his 41 fights.
Macklin had three shots at a world title in his career, and was perhaps unlucky not to claim the belt in a split decision loss to Felix Sturm in 2011.
Macklin's last fight was in April at the O2 Arena in London, where he claimed a win over Brian Rose. Despite speculation that he could have been on the path to a title shot again, Macklin has decided to go out on a high and hang up the gloves.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said "Rose was a proper fight. He's not [Gennady] Golovkin or [Sergio] Martinez but for me it was the right fight for me to finally make the decision. I knew it was going to come and it was the right way to go out, with a win at least."
"I hope people will remember I gave it my all," he added "never shied away from a challenge, took on the best and fought them in their prime.
"Win lose or draw I went out on my shield and put everything on the line."
Since he made the announcement, tributes have been pouring in for the boxer on social media, with many fans lamenting that Macklin wasn't able to clinch the world title during his career.
Congratulations on a fine career @mattmacklin – enjoy your well-earned retirement pic.twitter.com/8RuKXr9V9z
— Boxing News (@BoxingNewsED) 12 May 2016
Loved working with @mattmacklin during a brilliant career. Always wanted to fight the best. Warrior in the ring, gentleman outside it.
— Brian Peters (@BPPboxing) 12 May 2016
A man who fought the best, one of the nicest guys to lace them up, a friend! Enjoy retirement champ @mattmacklin https://t.co/eXqWiuoBiY
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) 12 May 2016
@mattmacklin best of luck with retirement,you should have been World Champion,fighter in the ring gentleman outside! pic.twitter.com/WWapnvLAGf
— Maria Carron (@MariaCarron19) 12 May 2016
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