Bolton’s home-grown boxing champion Amir Khan has announced that he is “hanging up his gloves” and retiring.

Khan, 35, made the announcement today on social media and thanked his family and friends along with his many fans for their support over the years.

Looking back over his career, he paid tribute to his Bolton roots that gave him a solid foundation and grounding to take on the challenges he has faced since beginning his boxing career all those years ago.

Khan said: “It’s time to hang up my gloves.

“I feel blessed to have had such an amazing career that has spanned over 27 years in a sport that I love with a passion.  

“From the young 17-year-old Bolton lad achieving his dream of winning an Olympic medal for his country and becoming a two-time world boxing champion. 

“Boxing has made me and has given me a platform which I have proudly used to help and inspire others. 

“I want to say a heartfelt thanks and to the incredible teams I have worked with and to my family, friends and fans for the love and support they have shown me.”

Khan’s professional boxing record stands at 40 fights of which he has won 34 and lost just six.

Of his 34 wins, 21 were won by knockout and 13 on points decisions.

Over the course of a glittering career, Khan was crowned an Olympic Silver Medallist at the 2004 games in Greece.

He was also awarded a gold medal at the Junior Olympic Games just one year earlier in 2003.

Khan’s notable victories also include Gold at the European Student Championships in 2004 and another Gold at the World Junior Championships in Juju, South Korea, also in 2004.

But arguable his greatest achievement came in World Boxing Association Title for Light Welterweight world champion from 2009 to 2012 and the international Boxing Federation title in 2011.

In recent years he also become known for his appearances alongside wife Faryal on BBC3 reality show Meet the Khans and for his charity work with the Amir Khan Foundation.