Kevin Mitchell's promoter Eddie Hearn has described the sportsman as a "wonderful servant to British boxing" following his decision to quit the sport.
The 31-year-old Londoner, who previously held the British and Commonwealth super-featherweight titles, announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Mitchell had three unsuccessful world title shots at lightweight in a career that included 39 wins out of 43 bouts.
"It's been an absolute pleasure working with Kevin Mitchell over the past few years," Hearn told Matchroom Boxing. "The fight against Jorge Linares was the stand out for me and without injury I believe Kevin would have become world champion that night. Kevin has been entirely dedicated to the sport under Tony Sims, my only regret is that we didn't all team up earlier in his career.
"Kevin is one the biggest and brightest characters in the gym and has already played a huge part in the education and motivation of some of our younger fighters.
"He has a wonderful boxing brain and I truly believe he can go on to be a great coach if that's the path he wishes to take. He has been a wonderful servant to British boxing and I'm sure all fight fans will join me in wishing him the best and happiness in his retirement."
Mitchell has revealed that he has already begun training young hopefuls in the gym.
Danielle Joynson
