BOXING promoter Frank Maloney has announced he plans to retire from the sport, following the inquest of Olympic boxer Darren Sutherland.

Mr Maloney, whose clients have included world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, says he will quit boxing in 2015 once commitments to existing contracts end.

This follows the inquest into the death of Mr Sutherland, which concluded on Thursday with an open verdict.

The 27-year-old Irish boxer was found hanging in his home in Tetty Way, Bromley, on September 14, 2009, by Mr Maloney and a colleague.

On an emotionally charged final day, the inquest at Croydon Coroner's Court heard Mr Maloney reject allegations Mr Sutherland was "frightened" of him.

Mr Sutherland, who won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, was contemplating quitting boxing and had lost confidence, the court was told.

Speaking after the inquest about his intention to quit, Mr Maloney said: "My conscience is totally clear.

"I don't like how people try to paint people in boxing, I don't need the stress factor.

"I have had enough of it. I've had enough of people thinking we're all crooks or charlatans.

"I will never sign another boxer."

Mr Maloney, whose promotions business is based in Chislehurst High Street, also said he would be willing to meet Mr Sutherland's family, stating: "My door stays open. I've nothing to hide."

This followed a brief exchange after Mr Maloney had given evidence, where he said to Mr Sutherland's father Anthony that he was "sorry" for his son's death.

Mr Sutherland senior replied: "It's too little, too late now."

Earlier the inquest was read the contents of a note found in Mr Sutherland's flat from his friend Declan Brennan about what would happen if he quit.

It said: "Frank will destroy you and your family in the media. He will hunt you down and do articles about how you f****d up.

"Frank will destroy you for the rest of your life and he will be right."

When asked about this, Mr Maloney described the note as "bullying tactics" by Mr Brennan.

He said: "Why would I say or do something like that? Everyone can surmise what they like. I am not a monster."

Speaking in court on March 13, Mr Brennan said: "I was trying to help Darren the best I could. I told him he had a God-given talent and he needed to carry through with it or he would have far more regret."

Mr Maloney rejected suggestions that he threatened or put pressure on Mr Sutherland, and said he had "no idea" why the boxer was "frightened" of him.

Following the inquest, the Sutherland family's solicitor James Evans said: "Darren’s death was indeed tragic for the family, for Ireland, and the boxing world. The family lost a son and a brother so full of life.

"My client’s hope in this Olympic year and especially in this year held in London, that all young sports men and women who make the transition from amateur to professional status ensure they surround themselves with those who they can trust and rely on.

"If anything is to be learned from the tragedy of Darren’s death it should be that the support mechanisms that exist for amateur boxers should also be there for them when they begin their lonely path on the journey to professional life. The transition is difficult."