• Boxing

Haye announces retirement from boxing

David Haye's last contest was a defeat to Wladimir Klitschko © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Haye and Vitali to clash in March 2012
  
• News: Klitschkos hold the keys to my future - Haye
  
• News: Haye aiming to break into action films
  
• News: 'Unrealistic' Vitali offer forced Haye's hand - Froch
  
• News: Haye 'wouldn't fight Vitali or Wlad for £100m'
  
• News: Haye could still beat a Klitschko - Khan
  
• News: Haye will regret quitting too soon - Hatton
  
• News: Haye had nothing left to prove - Bunce
  
• News: Haye's retirement confirmed by board
  
• News: Vitali manager says Haye fight still possible
  
• Profile: David Haye

David Haye has confirmed his retirement from boxing and ruled out a return against one of the Klitschko brothers.

Haye celebrated his 31st birthday on Thursday and he always maintained it would be the day he bowed out of the sport. But his defeat to Wladimir Klitschko earlier in the year prompted some to suggest he would extend his career.

However, the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed on Tuesday that Haye had sent an email confirming he had no desire to renew his licence and he has now called time on his career.

"It is not a spur of the moment thing, it is not something that has been forced upon me," Haye said in a statement. "I have always said I would retire from boxing on this particular day, ever since I laced up the gloves as a skinny 10-year-old."

The Klitschkos' manager Bernd Boente said this week that Haye may fight on if a title shot is offered by either Wladimiar or his brother Vitali.

Haye has confirmed talks took place with regard to a fight in 2012, but walked away from the table without a deal being struck.

"Vitali Klitschko did show an interest in sharing a ring with me in 2012, but since that initial declaration we have heard the wrong kind of noises from team Klitschko which has left me thinking there is little chance of a fight ever coming to fruition," Haye said.

"I would very much have enjoyed putting my retirement on hold for six months and going in against another champion no one would give me a chance of beating, I thrive on those situations. Ultimately, though, team Klitschko are a business and they rarely take on tough opposition unless they are forced to and that is why Wladimir fights my old victim Jean-Marc Mormeck and Vitali will likely fight Chris Areola."

Haye retires with a record of 25 wins from 27 fights, having won both the cruiserweight and heavyweight world titles.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.