Lockett is just one of 20 Welshmen to fight for a world crown

Gary Lockett has announced he is retiring from boxing, two months after saying he was considering his future.

The 31-year-old was comprehensively defeated in his last fight by unbeaten American Kelly Pavlik in a world middleweight title show in June.

"To be honest, the desire isn't there any more, I feel I have reached my level," the Welshman told BBC Sport.

"I regret not ever winning the British title, but there's nothing I can do about that now," he added.

The 'Rocket Man' lost just twice in his 32-fight, 12-year career - recording 21 knock-out wins - and held the WBU middleweight title for two years after beating Gilbert Eastman for the vacant belt in March 2006.

THE ROCKET MAN Born: 25 November, 1976 in Pontypool Division: Middleweight Record: 30(21)-2-0 Stance: Orthodox Height: 5' 10'' Reach: 73''

But WBO and WBC champion Pavlik knocked out Lockett in the third round of their 7 June clash in Atlantic City.

Lockett is a member of the renowned Enzo Calzaghe fight club in south Wales and is only the 20th Welshman to fight for a world title.

"I'm proud that I reached that level," Lockett admitted to BBC Sport.

"There's no shame in losing to a world-class fighter like Kelly Pavlik because he has the ability and promise to go down as one of boxing's greats.

"I can also say I've headlined a show in America, not everyone can boast that.

The Cwmbran fighter, who now lives in Pontyclun, said in July he had never enjoyed boxing and admitted he only ever fought "for the money".

606: DEBATE Read Gary Lockett's latest column on 606

He has been concentrating on his business interests - a personal training company and property investment.

I've earned a little bit of money (from boxing), and I've got four houses out of it. There are many more talented fighters than me who have come away with nothing - it's a tough, tough sport.

"I'm establishing my business now and I have a brain between my ears and there's plenty of money to be made outside the boxing ring - it took me a while to realise it."