By Elliot Foster

Martin Gethin took to social media on Saturday to announce his retirement from boxing.

The Walsall man, who earlier in the night had been stopped by Jack Catterall inside three rounds at Manchester Arena, issued a heartfelt apology before going on to reveal the news.

Gethin was outclassed by the undefeated Chorley man as he challenged him for the WBO Inter-Coninental super-lightweight title.

Catterall was dominant throughout and it looked at one point, live and exclusive on BT Sport and BoxNation, as part of the inaugural show of the link up with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions, like the challenger’s corner were going to save their man for another day.

But it was left down to the referee and a halt was called to the action after 100 seconds of the third stanza.

Catterall, in victory, rolled on to 18-0 with 10 early, while Gethin slipped to 28-9-1 (12 KOs).

“Sorry all,” the 33-year-old, who won the IBF International title with a knockout of John Wayne Hibbert last November, wrote on Facebook. “[I] just couldn't get going. [I] think that's going to be the end of me.”

During a pro career which began back in November 2004, Gethin won eight titles –– including Midlands Area, British and English –– and even fought a final eliminator for the IBF world lightweight title back in 2013.

“Thank you all for your support over the 13 years as a pro,” he continued. “It [has] been the best time of my life as I didn't think I would get this far. But I done it and it's thank[s] [to] you.

“Thank you from bottom of my heart [for] all the support from Walsall.”