Carl Frampton has confirmed his retirement from boxing after losing out in his bid to become a three-weight world champion last night. 

The Northern Irishman fell to a sixth-round defeat to American Jamel Herring in Dubai, in their WBO super-featherweight title fight.

Hoping to become the first Irish fighter to hold titles at three weights, Frampton's corner threw in the towel in the sixth round.

At that point, he had already been knocked down twice after the holder made an impressive start.

He dominated the early exchanges, but Frampton fought back in the fourth round when a cut appeared over Herring's right eye.

However, a strong left-handed blow saw Frampton hit the canvas in the fifth.

This was followed by an upper cut in the following round, from which he could not recover.

At 34 years of age, the Belfast man made his feelings know prior to the fight about his intentions.

He confirmed his retirement in the aftermath last night, saying he would take the time to focus on his family.

Discussing the fight itself, Frampton said he could have few complaints about the result.

"I just got beat by the better man. I really struggled to get inside him.

"He is sharp-shooting, from a distance, and had a perfect game plan. Zero excuses."

Reflecting on his time in the ring, he said he would look back with mostly fond memories as he turns his attentions elsewhere.

"I’m going to dedicate my life to my family now."

"Boxing has been good to me. It’s also been bad to me but the last few years have been the best years of my career.

"I just want to go home to my beautiful wife and kids and dedicate my life to them. That’s it."