WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO HAS announced his retirement from boxing.

The 41-year old, who won Olympic gold at the Atlanta Games in 1996, hangs up his gloves after 69 professional bouts.

He retires with a record of 64 wins (53 by KO) and five losses, two of which have come in his past two fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua respectively.

During his career, Klitschko was the second-longest reigning heavyweight champion ever, making 18 defences during a span lasting more than nine and a half years.

The news means he will not take part in a rematch with Anthony Joshua after losing to the British fighter in a classic in April.

In a statement today, Klitschko said:

“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.”

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