David Haye confirms retirement

David Haye has confirmed his retirement from boxing today, his 31st birthday.

The former world heavyweight champion, who had long said that he would not fight after reaching the milestone, had considered delaying his retirement in order to fight either Vitali Klitschko or the Ukranian's brother Wladimir after he lost his WBA title to the latter in July.

"As the clock struck 12 last night my boxing career came to an end," he 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."

The Hayemaker steps down with a record of 25 wins from 27 fights, 23 by knockout.