Wladimir Klitschko, former champion, announces retirement

Following back-to-back losses, former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has announced his retirement.

Wladimir Klitschko, boxing’s former heavyweight champion who went undefeated for 11 years at one point, has announced his retirement. “I expect and hope that my next career I planned and already began a few years ago, will be at least as successful as the previous ones”, – said Klitschko.

Promoter for the Wembley event, Eddie Hearn, has both Joshua and Taylor in his stable of boxers, with the exposure to an American audience and the platform Taylor would gain from again appearing on a world title heavyweight fight card too good to resist.

The 41-year-old, who won Olympic gold at Atlanta, has spent more days as heavyweight champion than anyone ever.

Klitschko registered 64 wins during his career, but he lost out to Tyson Fury and Joshua in his last two outings. Critics derided his statements nearly as much as they did Klitschko for having chosen Mormeck as an opponent.

In boxing the Klitschko Management Group and K2 Promotions will still involve Wladimir as well as brother Vitali Klitschko. “Listen, I’ve got the best coaches in the world and I’d definitely be ready for that fight”.

Klitschko (64-5, 54 KOs) reportedly had been mulling a rematch with Joshua on November 11 in Las Vegas before making his announcement on Thursday.

It was reported only on Wednesday that Joshua’s promoters Matchroom were awaiting Klitschko’s decision over the rematch and had given the Ukrainian’s camp a deadline of the end of August.

“Finally, instead of just saying, “hey, thanks and goodbye”, I want you to continue joining me in this new and exciting journey”, the Ukrainian boxer added.

“Anthony Joshua – looks like your schedule is wide open”, Miocic wrote on Twitter.

“We wish him all the success”, Hearn said on social media.

The brothers’ hard-hitting style inside the ring and relaxed, multilingual approach outside it made them famous beyond boxing.

Pulev has only one professional defeat which came against Klitschko in 2014, but this clash comes one that is mandatory for Joshua to retain his IBF title.