VETERAN middleweight Lee Churcher has decided to hang up his gloves following defeat in Ebbw Vale on Saturday night.

The 37-year-old from Newport made the announcement via social media after a late stoppage at the hands of Christian Hoskin Gomez.

It was the fifth reverse of Churcher’s nine years in the paid code, a stint which saw him win Welsh, British Masters, WBF intercontinental and WBU world crowns.

A total of 21 pro outings (15-5-1) would have been more but for a 21-month prison term which put his dreams of a major title on hold.

He fought under the

jurisdiction of the Maltese Boxing Commission on his return to the sport before being given a second chance with the British Boxing Board of Control.

His last big shot at glory came four months ago when he missed out on the vacant IBF European middleweight strap to Joe Mullender.

Churcher had been hoping for another title tilt but the weekend’s defeat by Plymouth-based Spaniard Gomez, 22, proved to be his swansong.

In a post on his Facebook page, he wrote: “Didn’t get the result I would have liked.

“Really struggled with training for this fight and my age has really caught up with me.

“It’s a young man’s game and boxing someone 15 years younger than me

really exposed that.

“So sorry to all my fans that travelled to watch me.

“You fans have given me some amazing memories and lots of happiness.

“My journey has got to end at some point and after the way I fatigued…this has to be that point.

“Gavin Rees got me in amazing condition for this fight but at 37 I am done.

“Time to focus on my amazing family and start with my new ventures.

“Thanks to everyone that’s helped me along the way.”

Dad-of-four Churcher joined Rees’ Pantside ABC gym last autumn after a long association with St Joseph’s Boxing Club and trainer Tony Borg.

While Churcher couldn’t get the better of Gomez, there were wins for other Welshmen at Ebbw Vale Sports Centre.

The six-bout British Warriors promotion was kicked off by St Joes super-middle Mitch Buckland.

Buckland, 24, a former two-weight Celtic king, was pushed all the way against Portugal’s Yailton Neves.

But referee Martin Williams thought Buckland had done enough to claim a 39-38 points victory – he takes his record to 13-0.

St Joes lightweight Lance Cooksey Jnr (5-0) also maintained his perfect pro record with a four-round shutout of Mohamed Mahmoud.

And Pontllanfraith’s Kody Davies was far too good for journeyman Elvis Dube, flooring his opponent in the first before completing a comprehensive 40-35 points win over four rounds.

Gavin Rees-trained Davies showed his superiority throughout to make it three from three.