Former Heavyweight King Wladimir Klitschko (64-5, 53 KOs) has decided against a rematch with Anthony Joshua in favour of retiring from the sport of boxing.

Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn initially confirmed the news via Twitter before the statement was released.

Klitschko calls time on his prestigious 21-year career following his stoppage loss to Joshua in the eleventh round on April 29th in front of a packed Wembley Stadium.

A statement from the former world champion read: “I deliberately took a few weeks to make my decision, to make sure I had enough distance from the fight at Wembley Stadium.

“As an amateur and a professional boxer, I have achieved everything I dreamed of, and now I want to start my second career after sports.

“I would have never imagined that I would have such a long and incredibly successful boxing career. I’m very thankful for this”

“Thanks to everyone who has always supported me, especially my family, my team and my many fans.”