Wladimir Klitschko retires from boxing: Anthony Joshua rematch off as former heavyweight world champion hangs up his gloves

Former heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko has retired from boxing.

The 41-year-old, a two-time former champion, calls time on a career spanning over two decades with a professional record of 64 wins, 53 of which were knockouts, and five defeats.

The Ukrainian's final fight was against Britain's Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in April, which ended in Klitschko being knocked out in the 11th round.

A rematch had been proposed by both fighters, with a date of November 11 in Las Vegas even announced.

It 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."

Klitschko had lost his motivation, according to his promoter. Bernde Boente said: “He realised the fire was not there anymore. It is the right step.

“He always said money was not his motivation, so I think it [his decision] is more than understandable.

“He realised there was a chance to beat Joshua in a rematch but he knew he had to go through a 10-week training camp. And if you do not feel the fire, it is better to finish your career.”

Joshua, the IBF and WBA champion, will now face his mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev later this year.