London – Former world heavyweight champion David Haye retired from the sport on his 31st birthday on Thursday.

“As the clock struck 12 last night my boxing career came to an end,” Haye said in a statement.

“It has been my intention to retire from boxing on this day ever since I first laced up my gloves as a skinny 10-year-old,” added Haye, who lost his WBA world title on points to Vladimir Klitschko in a unification bout in his last fight in July.

The British Boxing Board of Control said on Tuesday the Briton was not renewing his licence. – Reuters