Thursday 21 September 2017 22:59, UK
Andre Ward has stunned the boxing world by announcing his immediate retirement.
The 33-year-old American cemented his status as the No 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world after his rematch victory over Sergey Kovalev in June, stretching his unbeaten record to 32 victories, but has suggested that his body can no longer withstand the physical demands of the sport.
Ward has endured injury problems in the past, but his announcement came as a surprise, with the light-heavyweight suggesting he could step up in weight to face Tony Bellew, or even an audacious fight with British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
A statement on Ward's official website read: "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.
If I cannot give my family, my team, and the fans everything that I have, then I should no longer be fighting.
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has played a part in my journey. You know who you are. I could not have done this without you. I want to be clear - I am leaving because my body can no longer put up with the rigors 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. Above all, I give God the Glory, for allowing me to do what I've done, for as long as I have."
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