Wladimir Klitschko: Former Heavyweight World Champion Retires

Former heavyweight champion of the world Wladimir Klitschko has aounced his retirement from boxing.

The 41-year-old Ukranian who was a two-time former champion held the unified title from 2006-2015. He is the second-longest serving heavyweight champion of all time behind Joe Louis with 18 consecutive title defenses over a nine-year span.

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Klitschko won Olympic super-heavyweight gold at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, before turning professional later that year.

He built an unbeaten 24-0 record before losing to American Ross Puritty in 1998. In 2000, he claimed the WBO belt with a victory over American Chris Byrd. The man nicknamed Steelhammer was in 2003, upset by South Africa’s Corrie Sanders and again in 2004 by American Lamon Brewster.

After that, Klitschko went on an unbeaten run that lasted 11 years before losing his final two fights to two Britons; Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

The Germany-based fighter lost to Fury on points in November 2015, conceding his IBF, WBA and WBO titles.

A few months later in April this year, he was knocked out by Joshua in a bout widely considered the most entertaining since the division’s glamor era of the 90’s.

Wladimir Klitschko was considering a lucrative rematch but has instead chosen to bow out. He ends his career with a record of 64 wins and five defeats.

Joshua will now possibly fight mandatory challenger, Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev while Klitschko ensures his legacy remains intact as one of the finest heavyweights in history.

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In a video statement released on his website, Klitschko said:

“Twenty-seven years ago I started my journey in sport. It was the best choice of a profession I could have made. Because of this choice, I have traveled the world, learned new languages, created business, built intellectual properties, helped people in need.”

In a written statement accompanying the video, Klitschko thanked everyone who supported him throughout his career.

“I would have never imagined that I would have such a long and incredibly successful boxing career. I’m very thankful for this. Thanks to everyone who has always supported me. Especially my family, my team and my many fans.”

His manager, Bernd Boente, added that he accomplished everything in his unique boxing career.

“He dominated the Heavyweight division for over a decade. He fought in sold-out arenas and stadiums worldwide and millions of fans around the world watched his fights on TV. It has been a privilege for me to accompany Wladimir on this unique journey.”