CARL FROCH, four-time world super-middleweight champion, has retired from boxing.

The 38-year-old last appeared in the ring when knocking out George Groves to retain the WBA and IBF titles in May 2014 and has announced that he is hanging up his gloves to begin a commentary career with Sky Sports.

"I have nothing left to prove and my legacy speaks for itself," said Froch. "I'm incredibly proud of what I have achieved in boxing.

"It wasn't an easy decision, but it wasn't as difficult as people might think.

"I turned 38 last week. My joints and bones are aching. If the desire was there, I could fight again, but there's nothing motivating me.

"I've got nothing left to prove and I'm bowing out at the top."

Froch considered quitting immediately after that rematch with Groves, whom he had previously defeat by way of a ninth-round stoppage in 2013, but set his sights on fighting in Las Vegas and in his home town of Nottingham.

However, proposed contests with Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, Bernard Hopkins and Gennady Golovkin failed to materialise.

Froch still regards his two contests with Groves as the moments that defined his career, which ends with 33 wins from 35 contests and 24 knockouts.

"George Groves I in Manchester was such a tough fight, such a great fight for the fans, for George, for me," he said.

"It set up the biggest rematch in post-war British boxing.

"Then to transcend the sport over to a whole new audience for me, on that platform and the way to finish it, in such a conclusive manner, was so satisfying.

"That is my defining moment.

"Certain personalities do not get on, so George Groves is never going to be my best friend. I'm not sure he'll ever be my friend."