Wladimir Klitschko announces his retirement

Klitscko 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.

Ukraine's Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium ahead of his last fight against Britain's Anthony Joshua on April 29, 2017 in London.

Ukraine's former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko announced his retirement from boxing on Thursday.

Klitscko 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.

His last fight was in April when he was stopped by Anthony Joshua in the 11th round of the WBA title fight at Wembley Stadium in London.

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

More to follow...