Klitschko calls it a day

Klitschko calls it a dayNo rematch against Joshua Hamburg-based Wladimir Klitschko, 41, hangs up his gloves as one of the all-time greats of the ring after a nine-and-a-half year reign as heavyweight champion, which ended in 2015. Ukraine's former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko announced his retirement from boxing on Thursday to scupper any hopes of a November rematch against Britain's Anthony Joshua.

Klitschko's last fight was in April when he was stopped by Joshua in the 11th round of the WBA title fight at Wembley Stadium in London in a hard-fought bout in which both fighters hit the canvas.

“After my last fight against Anthony Joshua, I deliberately took the time to make a decision,” said Klitschko.

“I never thought I'd have such a long and incredibly successful boxing career, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” he told his fans in a statement.

NAMPA/AP