Matt Doyle retires from the boxing ring (From York Press)

Matt Doyle retires from the boxing ring

10:54am Wednesday 12th October 2011 in Boxing By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

HIT-MAN Matt Doyle has hung up his gloves with “no regrets” after deciding he needed to step away from ring action.

The 27-year-old Heworth fighter, trained by Glenn Banks, said the decision to retire was a combination of his desire to have a break from the sport and persistent injuries in training.

In his two-year professional career, Doyle fought just seven times – winning five, drawing one and losing one – with his last contest a 24-second demolition of Martin Gordon in front of his own supporters at York’s Energise Centre in May.

With a TKO to Glenn Foot in Houghton-le-Spring his only loss, Doyle said he was proud of what he had done as a professional but now needed to have “a bit of time to myself”.

“I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I hadn’t done it,” he said. “It was something I had always wanted to do.

“My body is telling me it’s time. You can always train past injuries but I just need a bit of time to myself. I just need a break.”

Doyle began his spell in the pro ranks at York with a points win over Matt Seawright in October 2009.

A decent amateur fighter, he had waited seven years for his debut, having suffered a succession of injuries.

He cites his victories over Andrew Patterson and Tommy Broadbent, both at Leeds’ Elland Road stadium, as his best performances and thanked the contribution of Banks, and the travelling support he always drew.

“My debut was great,” reflected Doyle said. “Against Tommy Broadbent, I was underdog and the two fights in Leeds were fantastic.

“The support has always been amazing and I have been so lucky to have that.

“To finish at York was not a bad way to do it. It was a real bonus. I have no regrets and I would like to thank Glenn, who is doing a fantastic job.”

Long term, Doyle added he would “love” to retain an interest in boxing, seeing refereeing as a possible path.

Trainer Banks said of Doyle: “He was a pleasure to train. He always worked very hard and had a successful pro career.

“His heart and determination were his strengths. He always turned up to win and he showed a lot of courage.”