British light-heavyweight Tony Jeffries has called time on his boxing career after failing to recover from chronic problems in his hands.
The Sunderland fighter was unbeaten in eight fights and also won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Jeffries, whose last fight was a draw against Michael Bambola in 2010, took to Facebook to issue a heartfelt statement in which he outlined exactly what he had tried to do in an effort to save his career.
"After injuries to both hand I have had to accept that I will not fight again," he said.
"I've had problems in my hands for years but after my last fight the pain got too much and I requested and MRI scan.
"I did everything possible to be able to punch again."
Jeffries said that he has a hole in his right knuckle and a tear in his left hand. After months of rehab following an operation, the pain was worse and he was told by a second specialist that his problems were unlikely to be solved.
"Recent surgery helped the pain and movement, which is great for everyday life but not enough to punch again," he continued.
"I tried last week for the first time in ten months but I knew it would hurt, even making a fist hurts. I was right.
"It seems I've been lying to myself for so long hoping it would get right."
The 27-year-old also went on to thank friends and family, as well as the fans who have supported him throughout his career and injury problems.
