Povetkin announces his retirement from boxing
Former WBC Interim and WBA World heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (36-3-1, 25 KOs) has announced his retirement at age 41.
During his career, Povetkin, from Chekhov, Russia, proved to be a tough and persistent fighter, scoring major wins and rallying from losses to win an important WBC Green and Gold title. With only two victories coming from his last five fights, the 'Russian Vityaz' knew it was time to close the curtain on an incredible career that spanned over tfour decades.
Alexander, born September 2, 1979 in Kursk, Russia, began boxing at age 12, but also competed in kickboxing, Greco-Roman wrestling, wushu, and karate. In the amateur field, he has won several important tournaments since 1995, culminating in the super heavyweight Gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
He then made the move to professional boxing, debuting with an early second-round victory over German Muhammad Durmaz.
Most of his professional fights were in Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom, facing and defeating quality opponents Chris Byrd, Eddie Chambers, Ruslan Chagaev, Cedric Boswell, Marco Huck, Hasim Rahman, Mike Pérez, Johann Duhaupas, David Price and Hughie Fury. His only three losses were in world championship fights to Wladimir Klitschko, Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
“It was not very easy to make such a decision, but it is made,” said Sasha, in a heartfelt message to his fans. "The decision to end my sports career was because, after all, the years are making themselves felt. There are all sorts of injuries that need to be treated and the time has come to finish my career.
“I had a good, interesting career. I do not regret anything. In fact, all these years that I have been boxing, I was very pleased that many people were rooting for me and worried about me. And I really want to thank you all. This support was always felt, always appreciated, and always pushed me forward and still inspires. If I had the opportunity, I would box, but everything has its time.”
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