Former world champion Burnett retires aged 27

Ryan Burnett said he has realised a childhood dream after bringing his boxing career to an end, having suffered just one defeat.

Former unified world bantamweight champion Ryan Burnett

Former unified world bantamweight champion Ryan Burnett has ended his professional boxing career at the age of 27 due to injuries.

Burnett made a winning return to the ring by knocking Jelbirt Gomera out in his home city of Belfast five months ago, but that proved to be his last fight.

He suffered a bizarre solitary defeat in his previous bout last November, losing his WBA super world bantamweight title to Nonito Donaire in Glasgow after retiring with a freak injury.

Burnett damaged his back at The SSE Hydro 11 months ago when he failed to connect with a right hand in the fourth round, dropping to his knee in agony.

It was announced on Friday that the Northern Irishman had quit with a 20-1 record, with half of his victories coming by way of knockout.

"Although my retirement is forced through injuries, I carry a heart full of satisfaction and gratitude. I have achieved my childhood dream and secured my future heath, which is something no amount of money or titles can provide," said Burnett.