'The Jackal' retires from boxing

Northern Irish boxing legend Carl Frampton has confirmed his retirement after failing in his bid to become a three-weight world champion in his WBO super-featherweight title fight against Jamel Herring.

The Northern Irishman's corner threw in the towel in the sixth round of the contest in Dubai after Frampton was twice knocked down by the American.

Frampton, 34, scrambled back to his feet after the second of those knockdowns in the sixth round and took a count of eight.

He tried to continue but was clearly imbalanced and struggling and the end came with one minute and 40 seconds of the sixth round gone.

"I'm going to dedicate my life to my family now,'' said Frampton on Channel 5.

"Boxing has been good to me. It's also been bad to me but the last few years have been the best years of my career.

"I just want to go home to my beautiful wife and kids and dedicate my life to them. That's it.''

Wife Christine said she "wanted him out" of the ring a long time ago.

Belfast's Frampton, a former bantamweight and featherweight champion, had been bidding to make history as the first Irishman to win world titles at three different weights in the twice postponed bout.

Herring, 35, has held the WBO belt since 2019 and his victory was his 23rd in 25 outings.

Herring said: "Carl Frampton has been a tremendous champion. I have been a fan since day one. It is tough to see any veteran go out like that, I am glad he is able to walk out on his two feet. It has been a great night.''