Last week, the boxing world was gearing up for a potential Klitschko vs Joshua rematch in Las Vegas.
Today, however, we’re hearing the news that Vladimir Klitschko has decided to not take one last match and of retiring from the sport with immediate effect.
The news ends any possibility of a rematch with Anthony Joshua, instead leaving open many contenders for a super fight after the mandatory Kubrat Pulev.
He said the following in a video message:
‘I was, and am still capable of doing all this because of the global appeal of sport and boxing, my own talent and most importantly because of you, my loyal fans,’ Klitschko said.
‘At some point in our lives we need to, or just want to, switch our couriers and get ourselves ready for the next chapter and chart. Any course towards fresh challenges.
‘Twenty-seven years ago I started in my sport and it was the best choice of a profession I could have made.
‘Because of this choice I’ve travelled the world, learned new languages, created businesses, built intellectual properties, helped people in need, became a scientist, an entrepreneur, a motivator, a leader, trainer, investor and much else.
‘I was, and am still capable of doing all this because of the global appeal of sport and boxing, my own talent and most importantly because of you, my loyal fans.
‘At some point in our lives we need to, or just want to, switch our careers and get ourselves ready for the next chapter and chart. Any course towards fresh challenges.
‘Obviously I am not an exception to this and now it’s my turn.
‘I’m honestly doing this with the greatest respect for the new challenges. But also with tremendous excitement, passion, dedication, expecting and hoping that my next career which I’ve already been planning and working on for some years, will be at least as successful as my previous one. If not even more successful.
‘Finally instead of just saying thanks and goodbye I want you to continue to follow me on my new and exciting journey.
‘When we’re together we’re more creative, more efficient, more productive and simply stronger in every way.
‘Together we’re the driving force.’