Former world heavyweight champion David Haye retired from boxing Thursday on his 31st birthday.

"It has been my intention to retire from boxing on this day ever since I first laced up my gloves as a skinny 10-year-old," Haye said in a statement.

"I've tried to be the best I can, fight the best possible fighters on their turf but even though I fell short against Vladimir (Klitschko) I'm a two-weight champion, one of the best ever British boxers."

Haye lost his WBA world title on points to Klitschko in a unification bout in his last fight in July.

Vladimir and Vitali Klitschko hold all the major championship belts in the division, but the brothers have said they would not fight each other.