James DeGale retires: Former world champion hangs up gloves after Chris Eubank Jr defeat

The former Olympic champion admits there is nothing left to prove after a 10-year career in the sport

Former world champion James DeGale has retired from boxing following his defeat to Chris Eubank Jr.

'Chunky' became the first Brit to win Olympic gold and a world title, holding the IBF world super-middleweight title on two occasions over a 10-year career.

DeGale's prime, including his world title victory against Andre Dirrell in Boston, was mostly spent on the road, out of the limelight.

Perhaps his biggest fights came in domestic grudge matches, first losing a close decision to bitter rival George Groves in 2011, before a clear points loss to Eubank Jr to bring an end to his time in the ring.

"Today marks ten years since my professional debut fight on 28th February 2009 and today is the day I am announcing my retirement from boxing," read an official statement from DeGale.

"It hard to admit that I’m not the fighter I once was, but I’m human and along the way, my injuries have taken a toll – both on mind and body and these things have contributed to impact my performance in the ring.

"I lost the fight on Saturday at The O2 but I’m touched to have a good send off from the fans in my home city."

DeGale came unstuck against Eubank Jr (Getty)

"It’s been an unbelievable journey and I’ve had an amazing decade – if I’m honest, the best years of my life – and having started boxing at the age of nine then being selected as part of the England Amateurs squad, I’ve collected many memories along the way.

"I’m proud to say that I’ve made history as the first ever British Olympian boxer to turn professional and to win a World Title and I am also proud to have been a road warrior – to travel wherever I needed to be to fight and to win. There's nothing left to prove."

After a career-high win over Dirrell, DeGale continued to operate on the opposite side of the Atlantic, including wins over Lucian Bute and a draw vs Badou Jack.

DeGale also found time in his statement to mention long-time trainer Jim McDonnell, advisor Al Haymon, as well as Paulie Malignaggi, a late addition in his career to his camp.

He retires with a record of 25-3-1.