Five-time super-middleweight world champion Mikkel Kessler has confirmed that he has retired from boxing.

The Dane has not fought for 21 months after being beaten by Carl Froch in their entertaining rematch.

The 36-year-old first beat Froch in 2010 but the Nottingham fighter secured a unanimous decision in May 2013.

Reports have suggested that Kessler could face Froch for a third time or face Andre Ward again after losing the first bout but he confirmed his retirement via Twitter on Sunday.

Froch, who holds the IBF and WBA belts, seems to be waiting for a fight in Las Vegas, rather than another bout with his rival.

James DeGale and George Groves have also been linked with fights against the ‘Viking Warrior’ but he now insists he is done with the sport unless a fight becomes available against “the best of the best”.

He told Ekstra Bladet: “I’ve spent a lot of time considering the fight offers I have received over the past six to eight months. When it came down to it, none of those options were enough to motivate me to get up to the level needed to step into the boxing ring again.

“I’m mentally stopping my career and will try to move on, but if an incredible offer comes from one of them then I’d be ready.”

Kessler’s 17-year career saw him win 46 fights with 35 of them coming by knockout. He only tasted defeat on three occasions, with Froch, Ward and Joe Calzaghe getting the better of him during his illustrious career.