AMIR KHAN has admitted his “love for the sport” is no longer there after announcing his retirement from boxing.
The British icon announced the news on Twitter as he called time on his illustrious career.
Amir Khan after defeat to Kell Brook
Khan hangs up the gloves having been beaten by arch rival Kell Brook – also now retired – in their February grudge match.
And the former unified world champion revealed even before losing to Brook, 36, he had one eye on the exit door.
Khan, 35, told Sky Sports: “Even before the last fight against Kell, my family were saying I should call it a day, and that I’d done everything I wanted to.
“I’d fought all around the world, against the biggest names in boxing, achieved many world titles.
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“And it was in the back of my mind even before taking the last fight.
“But after it, I could feel that my love for the sport just wasn’t there anymore, and I decided I was going to call it a day but didn’t know when to announce it.
“That was a part of me that still wanted to do boxing and be part of it, but I just had to announce it.”
Khan won silver in the Olympics at just 17 and became world champion by the age of 22.
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And after 40 fights in 17 years, he can retire as happy, healthy and wealthy man.
Khan said: “I’ve had a brilliant career. My family told me a long time ago to retire, but I said: ‘No, I want to do a bit more’.
“It’s just hard to walk away from the sport. But I think it’s the right time to walk away now.
“Boxing has been brilliant for me. I thank all the fans, my trainers and coaches, my boxing family. It’s all I’ve known and it’s been wonderful.
“Since coming out of the Olympic Games at the age of 17, boxing changed my life and gave me a great platform.”
Amir Khan announced his boxing retirement
