Former Irish and European champion Matthew Macklin has announced his retirement from boxing.

English-born Macklin, whose parents were both Irish, is a three-time middleweight World title challenger, and a former Irish, British and European middleweight champion.

The 33-year-old won his last fight, against Brian Rose last month, but has made the decision to hang us his gloves.

Rose was a proper fight,” he told Sky Sports.

“He’s not Golovkin or Martinez but for me it was the right fight for me to finally make the decision. I knew it was going to come and it was the right way to go out, with a win at least.

“It was the perfect platform, the perfect stage and I knew if I didn’t win that would be it – and even if I did win but struggle, that would be it.

“I knew it would be my last night in the ring and it was fun – and I can’t always say that.”

Wishing my friend @mattmacklin a happy retirement . Achieved so much in his boxing career . All the best pal 👌 pic.twitter.com/4daPvGZnAR

— Brian Rose (@Brian_Lion_Rose) May 12, 2016

He retires with a record of 35 wins in his 41 fights – including 22 knockout victories – and says he will take some time to decide his next move.

“Now it is time to step back and let it sink in and cope with retirement.

“I will look into the media side of things of course, but first I have to go through that transition from fighting to retirement, then we’ll see.”