BOXINGFORMER WORLD champion and Irish Olympic silver medallist Wayne McCullough is insisting he didn't announce his retirement in the Cayman Islands less than two weeks ago and is looking forward to his next pro fight.

The Las Vegas-based Belfast man, who turns 38 next month, appeared to be throwing in the towel on a glittering career after remaining on his stool at the end of the sixth round against Juan Ruiz in Georgetown recently.

But in a statement yesterday, the Pocket Rocket said he was looking forward to getting back in the ring.

"I haven't officially announced my retirement," he said, "although lately many journalists felt the need to hang up my gloves for me. One of my problems is that I wear my heart on my sleeve and say what's on my mind, and that's what happened on June 20th following my withdrawal from a fight I was winning against Juan Ruiz.

"After the bout I was being very hard on myself and told the crowd, 'This might be my last fight'. Unfortunately everyone assumed I was retiring, but I never intended to retire that night.

"I always said I would think long and hard about that decision before I made any formal announcement.

"I'm extremely grateful that many journalists have felt the need to write such moving tributes to me. But please wait until I make the officially announcement.

"I'm back in training and ready for my next fight. I want to let you know the Pocket Rocket could be back in the ring soon."

Meanwhile, the draw for the 2008 Olympics will be made in Beijing on August 8th, with boxing to start the next day.

Five Irish boxers, Ken Egan, Darren Sutherland, John Joe Joyce, John Joe Nevin and Paddy Barnes, have qualified for the Games.

They leave for a training camp in Bugeat, France, next week, and then travel to Beijing on July 22nd for three days of acclimatisation.