Klitschko shock retirement

Wladimir Klitschko has shocked the boxing world by retiring with immediate effect.

By hanging up his gloves the former heavyweight champion has ruled out a rematch with Anthony Joshua, who beat the Ukrainian in a thrilling bout at Wembley Stadium in April.

Klitschko ends his career with a record of 64 wins and five defeats.

He said in a video statement: "Twenty-seven years ago I started my journey in sport. It was the best choice of a profession I could have made. Because of this choice I have travelled the world, learned new languages, created business, built intellectual properties, helped people in need.

"At some point in our lives we need to switch our careers and get ourselves ready for the next chapter - obviously I am not an exception to this.

"I am expecting and hoping my next career, which I have already been planning and working on for some years, will be at least as successful as the previous one, if not more successful."