Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has unexpectedly retired from boxing, not competing in a rematch with Anthony Joshua.
The 41-year-old boxer made the decision through a clip posted on his personal page. “I started this sport 27 years ago and it was the best decision of my life. Thanks to boxing, I have been able to travel the world, learn new languages, build businesses and help many other people,” Klitschko said.
But at some point in life, everyone wants to seek new challenges, and I am no exception. I just hope that my upcoming plans will be as successful as the boxing career I have experienced. Finally, I would like to thank everyone and hope that you will continue to support me in the future,” Klitschko shared.
Wladimir Klitschko was knocked out by Joshua in the 11th round of their match on April 30. The defending champion is waiting for Klitschko to fight again on November 11 in Las Vegas. It seems that both sides have agreed on the terms, but the Ukrainian boxer not only refused, but also announced his retirement.
The “Steel Hammer Doctor” started his professional boxing career with a victory over Fabian Meza in November 1996, after he won the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta in the super heavyweight division. Klitschko won the WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles in 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively.
The younger Klitschko (his older brother Vitaly Klitschko) dominated heavyweight boxing throughout the 2000s, holding the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles. He held the IBF title for 9 years and 7 months (2006-2015), the second best record in history after Joe Louis.
During his professional boxing career, Klitschko fought 69 times. He defeated his opponents 64 times, including 53 knockouts. Wladimir Klitschko’s older brother, Vitaly, also announced his retirement in 2013 and is currently the Mayor of Kiev.