Former Irish, British and European champion Matthew Macklin has retired from boxing.

The son of Tipperary and Roscommon parents, Macklin won his final career fight last month against Brian Rose at the O2 in London.

He told Sky Sports on Thursday morning though that after a 15-year stint in the sport the time was right to step out of the ring - with a future in training ahead of him.

The Birmingham-born fighter fought and lost in three World title bouts, against Felix Sturm, Sergio Martinez, and Gennady Golovkin - saying his failure to be crowned world champion was his one sporting regret.

He hangs up his gloves after a professional record of 35 wins (22 Knockouts), and six losses.