Light heavyweight champion Andre Ward has resigned from boxing undefeated at 33 years old.
The American won a re-coordinate with Sergey Kovalev by TKO in the eighth round in Las Vegas in June, having vanquished the Russian in a consistent focuses choice in November 2016 to bring together the WBA, IBF and WBO belts.
There had been discussion of Ward battling David Haye's current hero Tony Bellew at cruiserweight or notwithstanding hopping up the divisions to go up against heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Notwithstanding, the 33-year-old - considered one of the pound-for-pound best - will rather hang up his gloves.
In an announcement discharged on his site and titled 'Mission Accomplished', Ward was authentic about the purpose behind his choice to resign.
"I need to be clear – I am leaving in light of the fact that my body can never again endure the rigors of the game and in this way my want to battle is no longer there," he composed.
"In the event that I can't give my family, my group, and the fans everything that I have, at that point I should never again be battling."
A light heavyweight gold decoration champ at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Ward calls time on his undefeated profession with a record of 32 triumphs, 16 by knockout.
He beforehand held the bound together WBA and WBC super middleweight titles following point of interest triumphs over Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch and Chad Dawson.
"To the game of boxing – I cherish you," his announcement read.
"You've been close by since I was 10 years of age. You've shown me to such an extent. You've lowered me. You've advanced me. I've relinquished a considerable measure for you, however you've given me more than I at any point thought conceivable.
"You gave me a stage, made me a champion and helped me accommodate my family. I am everlastingly thankful to you. You and I will dependably be synonymous, associated at the hip. Much obliged to you for all the superb individuals I've interacted with as a result of you. I've made companions forever.
"As I leave the game of boxing today, I leave at the highest point of your brilliant mountain, which was forever my vision and my fantasy. I did it. We did it.
"In all seriousness everybody who has had an influence in my adventure. You know your identity. I couldn't have done this without you... Most importantly, I give God the Glory, for enabling me to do what I've done, for whatever length of time that I have."
