Fan-power will not entice born-again Henry Wharton back into the boxing ring.

Since announcing his decision to quit professional boxing his home has been inundated with calls from a flood of fans unable to believe his gloves have been stowed away for the last time.

Well-wishers have also bade him all the best for life away from the fists and fury, but the bulk of interest has been from followers incredulous that Henry's hammer-time years are over.

Their disbelief has been increased by the fact that a possible fourth world title route was opening up again for their hero.

Provided he eliminated next month's scheduled opponent Crawford Ashley and wrested from the Leeds man his European,

Commonwealth and British light-heavyweight championships then another world assault beckoned.

But while appreciating the depth of feeling of his fans Wharton today confirmed there was no way back.

"I have been flooded with calls. My house has been like a switchboard and I just have to thank everyone for their interest," said Wharton.

"Most of them are asking whether the whole thing has been made up about my retirement, but I will not be changing my mind now. I will not be going back to boxing."

The 31-year-old former undefeated European, Commonwealth and British super-middleweight champion said his heart was no longer in the sport and that he could not give it 100 percent commitment.

But he added that he had been astounded by the depth of feeling his retirement had generated.

"The calls have never stopped. It's been like a switchboard at our house," he said.

"It's funny. I think I have had as much interest now as I might have had, had I won the world title. I just feel so humble in all the interest, but I'll not come back."

Wharton explained that he had noticed 'a slide' in his last few performances and that had been enough to convince him to bow out as a winner.

"I could sense that slide. Little things you might have taken for granted I could not rely on. But I have found the slide early on and know that if I cannot give 100 percent then I cannot give anything.

"When you are out there in the ring on your own you can't hope it will come back, because it won't."

Wharton hinted that while he had eliminated all thoughts of a competitive comeback, he said he may would be open to offers that may allow him to pass on some of his expertise.

"Opportunities do present themselves and it would be nice to keep my hand in," he said.

Click here to read 'Our Henry', our tribute feature to Henry Warton. It includes Henry Warton's ring record, year by year review, and world title pictures.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.