Heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko retires

Wladimir Klitschko retires

The former heavyweight boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko has retired from the sport at age 41, his management said in a statement Thursday.

The Ukrainian Klitschko held various titles in a glorious 21-year career which started as a professional after winning Olympic gold at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

He was unified champion 2006-2015.

Klitschko’s last fight was a defeat to British star Anthony Joshua in April when he was stopped in the 11th round.

A potential rematch in November with the 27-year-old Joshua will now not take place.