Already have an account?
Get back to the

Wladimir Klitschko Announces Retirement From Boxing

Wladimir Klitschko takes part in an open workout at Wembley Arena on April 26, 2017 in London, England. Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko are due to fight for the IBF, IBO and WBA Super Heavyweight Championships of the World at Wembley Stadium on April 29, 2017.
Wladimir Klitschko takes part in an open workout at Wembley Arena on April 26, 2017 in London, England. Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko are due to fight for the IBF, IBO and WBA Super Heavyweight Championships of the World at Wembley Stadium on April 29, 2017.Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Wladimir Klitschko is hanging up his gloves. The boxer, 41, who is one of the longest-reigning heavyweight champions in history, announced on Thursday, August 3, that he would be ending his career.

“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,”Klitschko said in a statement, per ESPN. “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.”

Related: Celebrities Dating Athletes

Klitschko has been dating Hayden Panettiere since 2009 and the couple share daughter Kaya, 2. The duo, who secretly got engaged in 2013, shut down split rumors last year after Panettiere was spotted without her engagement ring. “Missing rings don’t mean the end of relationships,” she captioned a sweet black-and-white photo of the family of three on Thursday, July 7. “Blessed to be with my beautiful family.”

Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere attend the 34th Annual Sports Emmy Awards Reception at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 7, 2013 in New York City.
Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere attend the 34th Annual Sports Emmy Awards Reception at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 7, 2013 in New York City. Jemal Countess/Getty Images

The split speculation came shortly after Panettiere spent nearly two months in rehab seeking treatment for postpartum depression. “The postpartum depression I have been experiencing has impacted every aspect of my life,” she announced on Twitter on May 12, 2016. “Rather than stay stuck due to unhealthy coping mechanisms I have chosen to take time to reflect holistically on my health and life. Wish me luck!”

Related: Shirtless Hunks: Hot Celebs and Their Insane Physiques

Earlier this year, the Nashville star opened up about the experience on Good Morning America. “It takes you a while. You feel off. You don’t feel like yourself,” she said in January. “But, you know, women are so resilient, and that’s the incredible thing about them. I think I’m all the stronger for it. I think I’m a better mom because of it. Because you never take that connection for granted.”

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!