The two-time former world heavyweight champion, considered by many to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time has announced his retirement from the sport of Boxing after a career spanning three decades. Last year Klitschko suffered his first defeat in over ten years marking an end to the 'Klitschko Era', where Wladimir and his brother dominated the heavyweight division. Wladmir's success was intertwined with his older brother Vitali who himself held the heavyweight title and is recognised as an 'Eternal Champion' for never losing his belt.
He fought against the IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua earlier in April this year and lost via technical knockout. A rematch was expected to be on the cards, especially drawing from the impressive reception of the first bout, but those speculations seem to have been wide off the mark.
Personal accomplishments
Klitschko's ascent to greatness was not overnight, as an amateur he won various accolades including the Junior European Championships in 1993, he went on to finish as the runner-up at the World Championships in 1994. His rise to worldwide fame however was through the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, where he won the Super-Heavyweight gold medal for Ukraine. After turning pro, he built an impressive undefeated record of 24-0 with 22 wins by knockout.
Over the duration of his career Klitschko held many titles including the WBA, IBF and WBO titles, as well as the IBO, Ring magazine, and lineal titles.
Personal life
The man behind the boxing legend can be described through many positive adjectives including those pertaining to his charitable contributions around the world. A prime example would be his 2012 auction of the gold medal he won in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics with an intention to help Ukrainian children in need of help.
While his brother Vitali has taken up politics and served as the mayor of Kiev since 2014, Wladimir has turned to other interests such as golf and chess. He has won various humanitarian awards for his contributions including the 'Sport for good' award in 2002 and 2007.
Holding a professional record of 64 wins and 5 losses, dominating the heavyweight division, possessing a calm and respectful demeanour irrespective of wins or losses, being a role model to millions of fans and fighters alike both in and out of the ring, Wladimir Klitschko will go down as one of the greatest men the sport of boxing has ever seen.
