BOLTON road warrior Chris Jenkinson has announced his retirement from boxing.

The 37-year-old has called it quits with one big regret – not making it to 100 fights as a professional.

Jenkinson hangs up the gloves having taken part in 89 professional contests, recording 12 victories along the way, having become a well-respected journeyman who always gave his all in the away corner.

The Covid-19 pandemic means his final fight was in March last year, a win over Kyle Hughes in Nottingham.

The Halliwell fighter fought out of Alex Matvienko’s Elite Boxing and represented Bolton ABC and Castle Hill as an amateur.

The Halliwell fighter said in a statement on social media: “After not being in the ring for nearly a year and a lot of thinking it’s been hard but my final decision is I’m going to hang up the gloves.

“I really never thought I’d be saying this.

“Things don’t look to be going back to normal any time soon but even if they do it’s been too long and it doesn’t feel the same any more my sharpness and timing isn’t going to be what it is anymore.

“Anyway, what a career I’ve met some great people, opponents, friends for life.

“I boxed some of the best champions in Britain there is literally too many to mention and I will be staying in the game.

“Not sure what I’ll do yet but maybe I’ll give refereeing a go.

“It’s 34 amateur fights with 20 wins and 89 pro fights, which I’m gutted I didn’t reach the big 100.

“I’m proud of what I achieved and boxing changed my life for the better and it shows in domestic life, so it will always be held close with the memories I’ve got, more good than bad.

“Time to move on and get on with something else.”