The former IBF flyweight world champion was outclassed across his headline bout with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medal winner and looked shellshocked throughout.

• Read more | Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2: Date, UK start time, fight card, how to watch heavyweight title rematch

Yafai took the interim WBC flyweight crown with victory in just his ninth professional bout at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham and will now have a world title shot truly in his sights.

But Edwards, who led a round of applause in the press conference for his rival afterwards, acknowledged a psychological shift, coupled with a failing body, means it is time to go.

"This whole time, I've got a lot of love for Galal," he said. "I have done for ten years. Just like I was proud of him for Olympic gold, I'm proud of him for being the man tonight.

"Maybe I need that hate, that spite. I don't think I have it in me to hate anyone in this world. I think I've turned a corner in my mindset. I'm touching twenty years in boxing.

"Every time I step out of the ring, I'm thinking about getting back in. It's absorbed my life. I've missed so many sports days, I've missed so many firsts in my kids' lives to do this.

"I've really enjoyed everything boxing has offered me so far. Maybe a part of it is really starting to enjoy the other side of boxing - the management, the commentary.

"People don't really realise just how happy I've been to be here this whole time. I've always believed in myself, and I always thought I could be one of the best in the world.

"With my body falling apart [...] this camp was hard. That same spark that has helped me walk through fire, I didn't feel it there, and I didn't feel it there tonight."

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Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 and the full undercard will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View worldwide in over 200 countries. 

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