Wladmir Klitschko Retires From Boxing

Two-time former world heavyweight boxing champion, Wladimir Klitschko has announced his retirement from boxing, after 21 years as a professional.

Professional boxing promoter Eddie Hearn had penciled down November 11 for a rematch between Anthony Joshua and the Ukrainian.

But the 11- round Wembley epic clash will now be the last of klitschko’s 69 professional contests after the 41-year-old called time on his glittering time in the ring.

The Ukrainian’s shock retirement announcement stunned the boxing world and leaves Anthony Joshua set for a match up against Kubrat Pulev next.

Joshua declared on Wednesday that he wanted Klitschko to agree to a rematch by the end of the month in order for a November bout to take place in Las Vegas.

However, a statement from the former world champion in a video, means a re-match between two boxing greats will no longer happen.

The statement read: “I deliberately took a few weeks to make my decision, to make sure I had enough distance from the fight at Wembley Stadium.

“As an amateur and a professional boxer, I have achieved everything I dreamed of, and now I want to start my second career after sports.

“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.”

Klitschko’s manager Bernd Bonte added: “Especially after this terrific fight at Wembley Stadium it was a very tough decision for Wladimir to make. But he has always emphasized that he wanted to retire if he didn’t have enough motivation anymore. Therefore this is definitively the right decision.

“Wladimir 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.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I heard the news this morning from Bernd Boente that Wladimir Klitschko has decided to retire from boxing. We wish him all the success.”

I heard the news this morning from Bernd Boente that Wladimir Klitschko has decided to retire from boxing. We wish him all the success

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) August 3, 2017