Wladimir Klitschko is a retired Ukrainian professional boxer who had a significant impact on the heavyweight division during his career that spanned more than two decades.
He is best known as a two-time world heavyweight champion, holding many titles including the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO championships.
Klitschko first attracted world attention when he won the gold medal in the super heavyweight division at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. His combination of size, skill and strategic prowess in the ring has resulted in an impressive professional record of 64 wins and just 5 losses.
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- Full name: Wladimir Wladimirovich Klitschko
- Nickname: Dr. Steelhammer
- Date of birth: March 25, 1976
- Age: 48 years old
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan (formerly the Soviet Union)
- Nationality: Ukrainian
- Occupation: Professional boxer, public speaker
- Height: 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
- Parents: Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko, Nadiya Ulyanivna
- Siblings: Vitali Klitschko (older brother)
- Spouse: Hayden Panettiere (married 2009–2018)
- Children: Kaya Evdokia Klitschko
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Ukrainian
- Net worth: 60 million USD
Early life and education
Wladimir Klitschko, now 48 years old, was born on March 25, 1976 in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, then part of the Soviet Union. He grew up in a family that valued education and physical fitness. His father, Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko, was a military officer, and his mother, Nadiya Ulyanivna, was a teacher. Wladimir’s older brother, Vitali Klitschko, also pursued boxing and became a world champion.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Klitschko moved to Ukraine with his family. He attended university in Ukraine, where he studied sports science and earned a PhD, reflecting his commitment to education alongside his athletic pursuits. As an amateur boxer, he had an impressive record of 134 wins in 140 matches, culminating in winning a gold medal at the Olympics.
Personal life
Wladimir Klitschko was previously married to American actress Hayden Panettiere. The couple married in 2009 but had an intermittent relationship until their divorce in 2018. They share a daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, born in December 2014. Although they broke up, both the two parents maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship. for their daughter.
Klitschko often spoke about his commitment to his family and cherishing the time he spent with Kaya, despite living arrangements on different continents.
Career
Wladimir Klitschko began his professional boxing career in November 1996 and quickly rose through the ranks. He won his first major title—the WBO heavyweight championship—in 2000 by defeating Chris Byrd. Over the years, he has won many titles in different organizations, including the IBF, WBA (Super) and WBO championships.
His career was highlighted by key victories over notable opponents such as David Haye, Alexander Povetkin and Samuel Peter. Klitschko’s reign as heavyweight champion lasted from 2006 to 2015, during which time he became known for his strategic fighting style and powerful punches.
He retired from boxing in April 2017 after losing to Anthony Joshua by technical knockout in round 11. His final record was 64 wins (53 by knockout) and 5 losses.
Prize
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2021)
- Olympic Gold Medal (1996)
- Medal of Freedom from Ukraine (2017)
Net worth
Wladimir Klitschko’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. This wealth was accumulated through a successful boxing career, endorsements, public speaking engagements, and various business ventures.
Social Media
- Instagram: @klitschko
- Twitter: Not applicable
Cinema
- Klitschko (2011) – Documentary about the lives and careers of Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko.
Book
- FOR THE CHALLENGE (2020)
- Challenge management (2019)
