Khan ends his stellar career

AMIR Khan, the 2004 Olympic silver medallist who became a unified world champion at light-welterweight, has announced the end of his career in the ring.

Khan retires with a professional record of 34 wins from 40 fights, his legacy as one of the most entertaining and finest British boxers of his era secured a long time ago.

The 35-year-old wrote in a short statement on Twitter yesterday morning: “It’s time to hang up my gloves. I feel blessed to have had such an amazing career that has spanned over 27 years.

“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.”

Khan ends a storied career, in which he also challenged for world titles at welterweight and middleweight, on a losing note after being stopped in the sixth round of a onesided grudge fight by longtime rival Kell Brook in Manchester in February. Brook announced his own retirement last weekend.

There were controversies along the way – Khan was convicted of several motoring offences – but he is one of a few from these isles to truly ‘crack’ the United States. The son of Pakistan-born parents, he did not shirk speaking about topics such as racism and he inspired countless other British Asians.

Khan said retirement was “something to think about, definitely” after his sixth career defeat, adding: “I never want boxing to retire me, I want to retire from boxing.”

Amir Khan built legacy.