Former world champion Ryan Burnett retires at 27

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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.

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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 suffering 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," Burnett said. "I have achieved my childhood dream and secured my future health, which is something no amount of money or titles can provide."

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