Wladimir Klitschko is a retired professional boxer who competed from 1996 to 2017. He won the World Championship in the heavyweight category twice. Klitschko also has several WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO as well as Ring magazine titles to his name.
He is listed as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. Klitschko is well-known for his devastating knockout power, as well as his excellent footwork and mobility.
Early life
Wladimir Wladimirowistch Klitschko was born in Kazakhstan on March 25, 1976. He is the son of Nadezhda Ulyanovna and Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko. His father was a Soviet Union major general serving as a “military attaché” in the United States.
Klitschko and his elder brother were chess players, and they both earned PhDs in sports science from the University of Kyiv. Wladimir earned the moniker “Dr Steelhammer” throughout his boxing career.
Career
Klitschko became a professional boxer under the mentorship of renowned boxing trainer Fritz Sdunek. He has a 24-fight winning streak with 22 knockouts. He fought his Olympic opponent Paea Wolfgramm in 1996.
In 2003, his battle against Corrie Sanders was dubbed “The Ring’s” “Upset of the Year,” when he was knocked down twice in the first round and again in the second round, forcing the referee to call a halt to the contest.
In 2006, Klitschko defeated Chris Byrd by technical knockout in a fight for the “IBO” and “IBF” heavyweight titles. The next year, he avenged his setback against Lamon Brewster by defeating him in the sixth round.
He announced his retirement from professional boxing in 2017 after being a two-time heavyweight champion and holding the WBA, IBF, WBO, ‘IBO, ‘Ring’ magazine, and lineal titles. He holds the record for the most heavyweight title wins as well as the most consecutive title defences.
Wladimir Klitschko’s net worth is roughly $90 million in 2021.
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