FIVE-time World title challenger Martin Murray has decided to hang up his gloves after a career in which he has fought the best in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions.

The 38-year-year-old St Helens fighter, who became British and Commonwealth champion, lost his fifth attempt at taking a world crown earlier this month with a points defeat against Billy Joe Saunders.

After reflecting on it with his wife Gemma, family and friends, Murray has made the announcement on his Instagram page – thanking all of those who have helped him in his career.

St Helens Star:

He wrote: “After having a talk with Gem, my family and close friends I’ve decided to hang my gloves up and call it a day.

“It wasn’t the fairytale ending that I’d dreamed of, but I’d like to think that I retire with a bit of respect and my health, which is the most important thing.

“When I turned pro I wanted to hang them up without any regrets and taking all opportunities that were put my way and I did just that.

“I went around the world and fought the best – and pushed them all the way too so I’m happy and proud of what I achieved.

“I also wanted to be able to say that all the hard work and sacrifices have been worth it and they have.

“I am now looking forward to the next chapter of my life and spending it with my beautiful wife Gemma, our three beautiful children Archie, Amelia and Aisla – and our amazing family and friends.”

St Helens Star:

An ABA title winner with St Helens Town ABC, the Fingerpost fighter learned his craft under the tutelage of John Chisnall.

He turned professional aged 24 in 2007 and comfortably saw off a series of opponents in small arenas before grabbing the attention with a Prizefighter tournament win.

Bigger days beckoned and he would challenge for the world belt on five occasions. A draw on champion Felix Sturm’s home soil was harsh and many observers believed he should have got the nod against Sergio Martinez in Argentina.

But it was not to be despite brave efforts against Gennady Golovkin, Arthur Abraham and Saunders that world crowd escaped him.

St Helens Star:

Murray reflects: “Now the dust has settled after my fight, id just like to say a few things.

“Well done to Billy Joe Saunders and his team. He’s a world class talent – and I sincerely wish him all the best in future.

“I want to say a big thanks to my wife Gemma, our three children and our family and friends for their love and support.

“To Jamie Moore, Nigel Travis, MTK and Andrew Mikhail for all their hard work – and to the legendary Oliver Harrison for everything he did for me over the years.”

He remains grateful to boxing – and the life it has helped make for him - and expressed a wish to remain in the sport.

“Over the years I have met some amazing people and our friendships have gone beyond boxing so I finish my career in a far better position than when I started it,” he said.

“I am happy that my career is over now, to be honest, but I am definitely going to stay in the game in some way and will look into maybe starting my own stable of fighters in the future.

St Helens Star:

“Boxing has taken me to places and given me experiences that I could have only dreamed of.

“I hope that I’m an example of what you can achieve with hard work and proof that you can always turn your life around if you truly want to.”

And finally he had a message for all of those who have backed him during an often rocky road to this point.

“Lastly, to everyone who has ever helped or supported me throughout my career and to the sport of boxing, thank you!

“It has been some journey,” he said.

All pictures copyright Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing