By Elliot Foster

Leon McKenzie has announced his retirement from boxing after suffering a crushing defeat on Saturday.

The former Premier League footballer, who only turned his hand to the sport back in 2013, was knocked out in the ninth round by Cello Renda in their York Hall clash.

The pair clashed at the iconic Bethnal Green venue for the Southern Area super-middleweight crown held by the 39-year-old southpaw.

McKenzie (8-2-1, 4 KOs) looked on course to win on points but succumbed to a barrage of punches in the penultimate round from Renda, 32, who is a 43-fight veteran.

He lay on the canvas for several minutes and was given oxygen before walking back to his dressing room unaided.

He was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance as a precautionary measure and later tweeted to say that he would “be okay.”

And now, in the aftermath of his second successive reverse, McKenzie has conceded that it is all over for him in the ring.

“I’d like to thank my manager Steve Goodwin, KC and team, my family who have been by my side taking the punches with me, not just in the ring but through life,” he wrote in an emotional statement on social media.

“This is so hard to do, but speaking to my hero Dad and loved ones, I have to be honest with myself and everyone.

“The last few fights my body has bailed on me and I guess 40 years of age crept up just like that. As much as my body and heart want to continue boxing, unfortunately my body won’t allow me, which leaves me with no choice but to retire.”

McKenzie, who also lost a challenge for the English title, confirmed his desire to “change mental health issues” and to “inspire in other ways to help people”.