Boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko announces his retirement
The Ukrainian former world heavyweight champion will now turn his attention to expanding his luxury hotel group into Germany and the US
Berlin — Ukraine’s former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko announced his retirement from boxing on Thursday to scupper any hopes of a November rematch against Britain’s Anthony Joshua. Hamburg-based Klitschko, who is 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. Klitschko, who won super-heavyweight gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, was the undisputed world champion from 2006-15, when he held several belts, before finally losing to Britain’s Tyson Fury on points two years ago. His last fight was in April when he was stopped by Joshua in the 11th round of the World Boxing Assocation (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 cras...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.