Josh Taylor has announced his retirement from boxing, a decision he has made due to the risk of losing his eyesight.
The 34-year-old underwent eye surgery last year to address an issue he said had been impacting his vision as far back as his win over Regis Prograis in 2019.
Taylor returned to the ring for his rematch with Jack Catterall and lost on points, before he was also beaten by Ekow Essuman in May this year.
That has proved to be the final bout of the Scot’s career, with his retirement decision one taken after advice from doctors.
"Right folks, this isn't an easy post for me to write, but on the advice of my doctors, it's sadly a necessary one,” Taylor said in a statement.
"As has been publicised before, I've had a recurring issue with my eye that unfortunately means I now have to call time on my career or risk losing my eyesight.
"While the fighter in me always wants to box on, I know I have to listen to the medical professionals and save me from myself.
"It is certainly not the way I wanted to bow out but I have to listen to the doctors and those around me.
"I am just a kid from the Pans who scaled the very top of the sport but I could not have done it without those who have supported me through thick and thin."
Taylor will go down as one of Britain’s most successful fighters. He won the IBF light-welterweight world title in his 15th professional fight and unified by beating Prograis later that year.
With victory over Jose Ramirez in 2021, Taylor became Britain’s first undisputed champion in the four-belt era.
It has been a struggle for him since then, though, with a controversial points win over Catterall followed by three straight defeats to ultimately end his career.
“It’s now time for me to reflect on a one in 70 million career and look forward to what’s coming next,” Taylor said.
