ENZO Maccarinelli has called time on his professional career, but still wants to stay in boxing to help the next generation of budding Swansea fighters.

The former WBO cruiserweight champion has decided to hang up his gloves after his third-round stoppage against unbeaten Russian Denis Lebedev in Manchester on Saturday night.

It was the fourth defeat of Maccarinelli's career and the third in the last 18 months.

And nursing a badly swollen eye and a suspected broken nose, Maccarinelli conceded it was time to finally call it a day.

"That's it, there was nothing there on Saturday, that wasn't me," said the 28-year-old, who was fighting on the undercard of Amir Khan's world title showdown.

"Take nothing away from Lebedev, he was a strong fighter, but everyone who has seen me and knows me will recognise that two years ago this kid wouldn't have gone two rounds with me.

"There was just nothing there and I am gutted."

Maccarinelli would not be drawn on what the future now holds, but said he was hoping to go from fighter to trainer, helping potential Welsh, British and world champions of the future realise their dream.

"I have made no decisions yet, but I would like to be a trainer," he added. "I have a fabulous knowledge of boxing and I think the people around me know I could be a good trainer.

"I would like to give a big thank-you for the support I have received during my career. Swansea fans are the best in the world.

"I am proud of what I have achieved. I have been world champion — Swansea's only world champion — and I thought I could get back there again, but it wasn't to be.

"I am a family man. I have a lovely wife, a lovely family and the time is right now to finish."

Big-fight special — page 37.

Robert Lloyd