Wladimir Klitschko announces retirement from boxing - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Wladimir Klitschko announces retirement from boxing

Agence France-Presse, Berlin | ByAgence France-Presse
Aug 03, 2017 04:56 PM IST

Wladimir Klitschko, 41, hangs up his gloves as one of the all-time greats of the ring after a nine-and-a-half year reign as heavyweight champion, which ended in 2015.

Ukraine’s former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko announced his retirement from boxing today to scupper any hopes of a November rematch against Britain’s undisputed champ Anthony Joshua.

Boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko announced his retirement on Thursday.(Reuters)
Boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko announced his retirement on Thursday.(Reuters)

Hamburg-based Klitschko, 41, hangs up his gloves as one of the all-time greats of the ring after a nine-and-a-half year reign as heavyweight champion, which was ended in 2015.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Klitschko, who won super-heavyweight gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, was the undisputed world champion from 2006-2015, when he held several belts, before finally losing to Britain’s Tyson Fury on points in 2015.

READ | Vijender Singh says India-China standoff will impact fight with Zulpikar Maimaitiali

Klitschko’s last fight was in April when he was stopped by Anthony Joshua in the 11th round of the WBA title fight at Wembley Stadium in London in a hard-fought bout in which both fighters hit the canvas.

Klitschko’s retirement dashes a mooted blockbuster rematch with Joshua possibly in Las Vegas in November.

Such was the interest in Klitschko’s announcement that the demand crashed his website today morning.

“After my last fight against Anthony Joshua, I deliberately took the time to make a decision,” said Klitschko, whose elder brother Vitali, 46, is also a former world heavyweight boxing champion.

“I never thought I’d have such a long and incredibly successful boxing career, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” he told his fans in a statement.

READ | Vijender Singh says ‘Chinese product’ Zulpikar Maimaitiali won’t last long

Klitschko bows out with a record of 64 wins and five defeats in 69 professional bouts.

“I have achieved everything I dreamt of, and now I want to start my second career after sports,” added Klitschko in a video statement.

“27 years ago, I started my journey and it was the best decision I could have ever made.

“Because of this choice, I have travelled the world, learnt new languages, created businesses, built intellectual properties, helped people in need.

“I became a scientist, an entrepreneur, a motivator, a leader, a trainer, an investor and much more.

READ | Vijender Singh focused on regional belts, says global title can wait

“I’m still able to do all this because of the global appeal of the sport of boxing.

“At some point in our lives, we need or just want to switch our careers and get ready for the next challenges, I’m no exception.

“Now it is my turn, I’m honestly doing this with respect for the new challenges and also with tremendous excitement, passion and dedication.

“I am expecting and hoping that my next career, which I have been planning and working on for a few years, will be at least as successful as my old one,” he added without giving details.

Catch all the Latest IPL 2024 news and Live Cricket Score along with WPL Schedule and WPL Points Table related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On