Former-world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has retired from boxing….a move that rules out a mouthwatering rematch with Britain’s Anthony Joshua.

The two-time former champion, who held the unified title from 2006 to 2015 before losing to Tyson fury, ends his career with a record of 64 wins and five losses.

The  41 year old Klitschko says he is getting ready for the next chapter of his life.

The Ukrainian in his last fight was knocked out in the 11th round by current champion Anthony Joshua at Wembley in April.

They were   expected to meet in a rematch in Las Vegas on November 11.

However with Klitschko retiring…………it means Joshua must now face mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev before December 2 or risk being stripped of his IBF belt.

The 36 year old Pulev…. has a record of 25 wins and one defeat, which came at the hands of Klitschko in 2014.