Former Heavyweight Champ Wladimir Klitschko Retires From Boxing

Wladimir Klitschko, who held the unified heavyweight boxing title from 2006-2015, has decided to hang up his gloves. The 41-year-old Ukrainian lost his last two bouts, first to Tyson Fury in November of 2015, and then to current champ Anthony Joshua in London on April 29th of this year. Klitschko had the option of a rematch with Joshua, but after thinking it over, decided to retire.

Klitschko ends his stellar career with a record of 64-5 with 54 knockouts, plus nearly a decade of being the heavyweight champ. He also won the Gold Medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the Super Heavyweight division. Klitschko has a doctorate in sports science from Kiev University in Ukraine, as does his brother Vitali, who is also a retired boxer. (These days, Vitali is the Mayor of Kiev). Wladimir has plenty of outside interests; he has been an adjunct professor at a university in Switzerland and has been active in politics. He’s also been with his fiancé, actress Hayden Panettiere, since 2009. They are the parents of a 2-1/2 year old daughter. We don’t think he’ll be bored in retirement.