The staple of the Heavyweight division of boxing Alexander Povetkin has officially announced his retirement from the sport. Taking to his Instagram, the former WBC interim heavyweight champion said that he is withdrawing his name from professional competition because he needs time to fully recover from the coronavirus.

The Russian delivered his announcement in his native language via IG live. He said that the virus has done heavy damage to his respiratory system, which inhibits him to train to his full capacity. According to the 41-year-old, he would require lots of treatment after the coronavirus. “I am not 20 years old anymore,” he said. He also said that injuries sustained during his long career have taken a toll.

“I have all kinds of injuries that still need to be treated. The time has come for me to end my career,” Povetkin remarked during the video.

Alexander Povetkin and his storied career

‘Russian Vityaz’ has had a well-decorated career. As an amateur, he captured the highest honor a boxer could have in 2004: The Olympic gold. He turned pro the following year and went on a tear in the heavyweight. Povetkin was undefeated in his first 26 appearances, capturing the WBA (Regular) Heavyweight title in 2011.

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In a bid to unify the titles, he lost the WBA belt to the surging Wladimir Klitschko in 2013. Following his first loss as a pro, ‘Sasha’ went undefeated for five years on his road back to the title. When he got his shot again at the title again in 2018, champion Anthony Joshua could finish him within 7 rounds. He then defeated Dillian Whyte via a beautiful KO by a single uppercut in 2020.

Povetkin won the WBC interim heavyweight title here. By exercising his rematch clause, Whyte challenged Povetkin for a rematch. The rematch was delayed to March 2021, as the Russian battled COVID-19 which he lost to Whyte in the rematch. The Whyte loss was his last showing in the ring.

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Standing 6’2” tall, Povetkin was a smaller heavyweight. He used this to his advantage. Povetkin liked to keep busy in the ring and best performed when pressuring forward. The Russian was really gritty in his constant offense and struck knockouts by beautifully placed lead left hooks and uppercuts. As a pro, Povetkin knocked out 25 of his 40 opponents.

European promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland congratulated Povetkin on his career.

One of the greatest heavyweights of our time, Povetkin truly has had a remarkable boxing journey. What’s your most striking memory from the Russian’s career?

All You Need to Know About Alexander Povetkin and his family