Two-weight world champion Timothy Bradley has announced his retirement from boxing.

The 33-year-old, whose only two career defeats came in his second and third bouts with Manny Pacquiao, held titles in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions during a career that saw him win 33 of his 36 fights - 13 by knockout.

Bradley has not fought since his last encounter with Pacquiao in April 2016 and has now elected to bring the curtain down on his time in the ring.

"It is no secret that a life of any professional athlete is not an easy one - yes it comes with a lot of fame and fortune but also comes with fear and fatigue. A balance that has to be achieved by ambition and maintained through perspective," he wrote on Instagram. 

"For over twenty three years, Boxing gave me purpose and it defined me. Dedicated to my craft and fuelled by my passion for the sport, my love for my team and my admiration for all of you who supported me day in and day out - I was able to give 100% of myself to be the best and to always get up when I was knocked down.

"It was the biggest challenge in my life but I embraced the sacrifice with every victory and milestone reached.

"Boxing gave me roots, it kept me off the streets, it gave me confidence, it taught me how to be a man and face every challenge head on and take the good with the bad.

"Yes I missed holidays, birthdays, even missed hearing some of my children's first words but more than time, it took my blood, sweat and tears, all things I can never get back. Which is why turning the page for me is bittersweet.

"That once in a lifetime purpose to wake up every day and give 100% is now fuelled towards something else - my family. I find my strength in them, my peace and most importantly, unconditional love.

"I wake up wanting to spend all my time being a father, being a husband and being free.

"Although that square circle I lived to dance in everyday gave me so many smiles and blessings, it could never outweigh the smiles and blessings I receive from my wife and children.

"It's now my turn to support them and encourage them to live their dreams and I couldn't be more excited for this next chapter."