Wladimir Klitschko, former heavyweight champion of the World Boxing Association, announced on Thursday August 3, 2017, his retirement from boxing, ending his successful boxing career, and some rumors about his rematch against Anthony Joshua, WBA world champion.
“Dr. Steeelhammer” gave his first step in amateur boxing, showing his great courage, when, in 1993 he won the gold medal in the Junior European Championship. In 1995, he was not so lucky however he classifies for the Atlanta Olympic Games in1996 where he wins the gold medal, catching the eye of the world.
This was a good omen and that same year he turns professional and did it in a great way. On November 16, 1996 he defeated by KO Fabian Meza in Germany, country that became his home. He was rising like the foam and with 35 fights, (34 won and 1 lost) he got his first title fight opportunity. An opportunity that did not waste and won by unanimous decision to Chris Byrd to take over the belt of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), belt that he successfully defended 5 times.
After losing his belt in 2004, a new opportunity for the world championship came up in 2006 and it was against Chris Byrd, who this time did not hear the final bell, as he was defeated by TKO in the seventh round to win the IBF world title and made 18 successful defenses, close to the record of the mythical Joe Louis that did it in 25 opportunities.
In 2008, he won again the WBO belt by defeating Sultan Ibragimov by unanimous decision. In 2011, when he defeated David Hayes he won the WBA Super Championship belt and defended it successfully on 7 occasions and, according to the great Ukrainian king, he was always very proud to defend it, and always with great pleasure.
Among this great champion achievements are his 8 years as the leader of the heavyweight division: 9 years, 7 months and 7 days only exceeded by the legendary Joe Louis with 11 years, 8 months and 8 days. It is undoubtedly a great heritage.
Today, August 3, 2017, Klitschko says goodbye leaving an extraordinary legacy as four times heavyweights world champion a record of 64 wins, 5 losses and 53 knockouts for a total of 69 hard battles. In addition, he fought 29 times for the title winning 25 of them. Dr. Steelhammer leaves a very important legacy for the boxing world.
