Monty Betham calls time on boxing career

Monty Betham during a photoshoot ahead of his Fight For Life boxing bout against Carlos Spencer. Photosport studios, Auckland. 3 October 2014. Photo: William Booth/www.photosport.co.nz

Monty Betham has called time on his boxing career.

Betham made the announcement in a post on Instagam yesterday.

"Family > Passion. If you know me you know I love my Boxing!" the post said.

"You would also know nothing is more important to me then my Family #Retired

"Your support was always noted and so very much appreciated! That is why you are the first to hear the news #TeamBetham"

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A post shared by Monty Betham (@montybetham)

The former New Zealand Warriors rugby league captain, television personality and noted pugilist pulled out of a defence of his national cruiser weight belt in Taranaki in June after a MRI scan revealed some issues.

Betham, 38, was scheduled for a rematch with James Langton whom he defeated in an unanimous points decision when the pair met in Auckland late last year.

Betham finishes his career with an 8-1 record in the cruiser weight division after taking up boxing after retiring from rugby league.

It was anticipated that his rematch with Langton, who has a 10-4 record, was also to be for the IBO Asia Pacific belt and would have helped him towards a possible tilt at the IBO world title.