JASON Curtis has decided to hang up his gloves but he went out with a bang after winning the biggest fight of his career.

The Accrington semi professional boxer won the European Boxing Federation European super middleweight title with a brutal third round stoppage of Dione Galea in Malta.

It was the 11th knockout of his 15-fight career which has seen him win British middleweight and super middleweight titles.

He retires ranked British number one at both weights.

The 40-year-old will now concentrate on training boxers and kick boxers at his successful Kokoro Gym in Accrington.

Curtis flew out to Malta on unfinished business after the first clash with Galea in the summer ended in confusion and controversy.

While the match was given as a draw, Curtis was announced as winner on a split decision but was not allowed to bring the belt home with him.

There was no such confusion second time around as Curtis forced an eight count in the second round then stopped Galea early in the third with a cutting left hook that left the Inter Continental champion needing 10 minutes attention in the ring.

“Thankfully he was fine after the paramedics attended to him and he congratulated me on my performance,” said Curtis. “It was a tough fight as we are both come forward fighters.

“We both went for it in the opening round but I began to get on top in the second and forced a standing count of eight.

“That came towards the end of the round so I didn’t have time to finish it but I caught him clean on the chin with a sweet left early in the third. With the best will in the world, I knew he would not get up from it.”

The stunning victory brings the curtain down on a successful fight career in both boxing and kick boxing.

For before Curtis took up the noble art, he starred in kick boxing winning 20 of his 27 bouts which included two area titles, three English and two British crowns, fighting five world champions along the way.

“Although I feel fit and strong and young in myself I’ve decided to call it a day,” added Curtis. “I think I have been getting better with age but it has become increasingly difficult to train for these fights because I have been so busy trainer other fighters at the gym. But I would like to thank all those who have helped and supported me over the years especially my wife Alison. I know look forward to working with my fighters at the gym.”