Andre Ward, widely regarded as one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters in the world, has announced his immediate retirement from boxing due to a lack of desire caused by an ailing body.
Ward was the last American man to win an Olympic gold medal when he topped the podium at Athens 2004 and he went on to capture world titles at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight.
He had been rumoured to be contemplating a move to heavyweight but instead stunned the boxing world by ending a glittering professional career unbeaten with 32 wins in as many contests, 16 inside the distance.
In a statement on his official website, the 33-year-old said: "I want to be clear – I am leaving because my body can no longer put up with the rigours of the sport and therefore my desire to fight is no longer there.
"If I cannot give my family, my team, and the fans everything that I have, then I should no longer be fighting."
Under the heading 'Mission Accomplished' he added in his statement: "To the sport of boxing - I love you. You've been by my side since I was 10 years old. You've taught me so much. You've humbled me. You've promoted me. I've sacrificed a lot for you, but you've given me more than I ever thought possible.
"You gave me a platform, made me a champion and helped me provide for my family. I am forever grateful to you. You and I will always be synonymous, connected at the hip.
"Thank you for all the wonderful people I've come in contact with because of you. I've made friends for life. As I walk away from the sport of boxing today, I leave at the top of your glorious mountain, which was always my vision and my dream. I did it. We did it."
