Veteran boxer Roberto Duran has retired from the ring at the age of 50 after failing to recover from injuries sustained in a car crash in Argentina in October.

The four-time world champion, who suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung in the crash, told the El Panama America newspaper of his decision.

"I can't return to fight anymore because this (recovering from the injuries) is going to take a lot more time," Duran said.

Duran, who has been working as a singer, now plans to promote boxing matches and act in a proposed film about his life.

"As of now, I am exercising so that when the (retirement) honours arrive the people will see me in shape," Duran said.

Classic contest

"I don't want to show myself like Maradona did, all fat."

Duran won his first title when he beat Scotland's Ken Buchanan in 1972, but his most famous victory was over Sugar Ray Leonard in 1980.

Later that year came his most famous defeat, when Duran said "No mas" and quit in the eighth round of the re-match against Leonard.

Apart from 1985 Duran has fought at least once every year since 1967 and has a 104-16 career record.

His last fight saw him lose a unanimous points decision in July 2001 to 39-year-old Hector Camacho in Denver.