Irishman Andy Lee retired from the sport of boxing this week and has had people singing his praises left right and centre.

And rightly so.

In a sport as cut throat as boxing, former WBO world middleweight champion Andy Lee surely stood out as one of the sport’s genuine good guys in his time.

In the ring, an explosive fighter to boot. Providing fans with some highlight reel knockouts over the years:

A boxer-puncher who changed his style at different times in his career, kept evolving and kept believing that one day he would win the world title.

After numerous disappointments before he did.

Perhaps a lesson in determination and not giving up to us all.

Speaking on the wealth of responses he’s received so far to the news that he has retired, Lee said on Twitter:

Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages and well wishes regarding my retirement. I had a wonderful career. I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me over the years…. Onto the next chapter??

— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) February 24, 2018

Here is some of the support that continues to poor in for the Irishman. This says it all about Andy Lee really:

#LETSGOCHAMP #LETSGOCHAMP #LETSGOCHAMP

— Shannon Briggs (@TheCannonBriggs) February 25, 2018

Take care brother hope you enjoy getting fat and putting the feet up ????

— jono carroll (@jono_carroll) February 25, 2018

Yr the best Andy. Once the champ, always the champ.

— The Cribs (@thecribs) February 24, 2018

You Andy are a hero to many. First of all a great boxer but most of all a proper nice guy. Enjoy your retirement Champ you deserve it ?

— Ed Holmes (@EdHolmes74) February 24, 2018

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An absolute warrior inside the ring, and a pure gent outside of it. Congrats Champ, looking forward to seeing what’s next.

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) February 25, 2018

Best of luck big man!!!!!! Enjoy your next journey!!!! ? ?

— Derm?tGilmartin (@dermotgilmartin) February 25, 2018

a true irish hero

— Sully (@sususully1) February 24, 2018

Great career.. Best knockout of 2014 against Jackson.. ☘☘☘ legend

— Andrew Tinley (@andrewtinley) February 24, 2018

Congratulations on a fantastic career! Enjoy your well earned retirement

— The Black Swan (@TheBlackSwan19) February 24, 2018