Boxing: Haye hangs up his gloves

Former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye has reportedly informed the British Boxing Board of Control he intends to retire.

The “Hayemaker” has always vowed to hang up his gloves by his 31st birthday – which falls on Thursday – but many had expected him to delay his retirement for a least one more big fight.

The Londoner lost his WBA belt to WBO/IBF king Wladimir Klitschko in July but had been linked with a comeback bout against the Ukrainian champion’s brother Vitali, who holds the WBC title.

While that still remains a possibility, Haye has seemingly indicated he will stand by his promise to call it quits after board secretary Robert Smith said: “I received an email on Monday advising me Haye would not be carrying on.

“The board will discuss it on Wednesday but there is no way we could go against his wish not to renew his boxing licence. Without it, he can’t fight.”