Anthony Ogogo retires: Former bronze medallist hangs up gloves with eyes ‘too damaged’ to return to ring

The former Team GB star ends his professional career with his final outing the 2016 defeat to Craig Cunningham, to leave him with an 11-1 record

Anthony Ogogo has retired from boxing with his eyes “too damaged” to make a return to the ring.

The former Olympic bronze medallist suffered the career-ending injury in a loss to Craig Cunningham in 2016.

Ogogo, who won bronze at the London 2012 Olympics, has since undergone seven operations in a two and a half year battle, but has begrudgingly called time on his career, ending it with an 11-1 record in the pro ranks.

“Today marks the end of my boxing journey,” Ogogo announced. “It’s been one hell of a ride: from walking into the boxing gym as a skinny, gap toothed 12 year old, to travelling the world and meeting some remarkable people. I’m grateful that I’ve been blessed enough to do what I’ve loved to do for the last 18 years.

“This retirement statement, and my life, could now go one of two ways from here on out. I could be bitter or I could be better. I could be bitter at having my career cut down whilst I’m in the prime of my life.

“A devastating succession of injuries prevented my professional career from taking off and now I’ll never get the chance to realise my true potential and show the world what I truly had in the locker. Plagued with thoughts of what I could have been are enough to make a man bitter. I choose to be better.

Anthony Ogogo has been forced to retire (Getty)

“I can be a better person learning from everything that I’ve been through. It’s inspired me to be more humble, thoughtful and an all round stronger person. It’s also made me realise I have the platform to encourage others fighting their own battles to keep going. This will not define me; this will be the making of me.”