Alexander Povetkin announces his retirement at 41 as the Russian former heavyweight champion says ‘the years take their toll’ with injuries forcing him to bow out
- Alexander Povetkin is set to retire, with the Russia boxer blaming his injuries
- The Russian was Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist back in 2004
- He ends his career with 36 wins, including a stint as WBA world champion
Alexander Povetkin has revealed he is retiring, with the Russian boxer citing lingering injuries that require treatment.
The 41-year-old was the 2004 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist before turning professional. He held the World Boxing Association (WBA) world heavyweight title between 2011 and 2013.
Povetkin had 36 wins, three losses and one draw in his professional career, including 25 knockouts.
Alexander Povetkin has announced his retirement at a press conference at the age of 41
The Russian’s career included a stint as the WBA heavyweight champion, with 36 career wins
‘The years take their toll,’ Povetkin said in a video posted on his Instagram account.
‘I have all kinds of injuries that still need to be treated. The time has come for me to end my career.’
Britain’s Dillian Whyte knocked out Povetkin in March after the Russian emphatically beat him last August for the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim heavyweight title.
Povetkin’s manager said this year he was concerned about the boxer’s health and was trying to convince him to retire.
The 41-year-old beat Dillian Whyte in his second-las fight, before losing their 2021 rematch
Povetkin was encouraged to retire by his manager, after injuries had mounted late in his career