British lightweight boxer of Pakistani origin Amir Khan announces on Friday his retirement from professional boxing at 35, following a glittering 17-year-long career, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
“It’s time to hang up my gloves,” Amir Khan said in Tweet uploaded from his Twitter handle on Friday.
“I feel blessed to have had such an amazing career that has spanned over 27 years,” he added.
“I want to say a heartfelt thanks and to the incredible teams I have worked with and to my family, friends and fans for the love and support they have shown me,” he stated.
Khan had launched his career in 2005 after winning an Olympic silver medal at the 2004 Athens Games.
He then became a world champion in July 2009, defeating Andriy Kotelnik on points to secure the WBA super-lightweight title.
It merits a mention here that Khan’s announcement of retiring from professional boxing comes after he was beaten by his long-time rival Kell Brook, who also subsequently retired, at the Manchester Arena earlier this year.