Former Russian heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin announced the end of his boxing career on Sunday. The 41-year-old Povetkin earned a gold medal while participating in the super heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympic games before turning pro a year later.
Povetkin participated in 40 boxing matches during his 18-year boxing career. He tallied 36 wins against three losses and a draw. Povetkin stopped 25 opponents before the scheduled end of a boxing match.
Alexander Povetkin defeated Ruslan Chagaev to become the WBA heavyweight champion on August 27, 2011. Povetkin held the title for two years before losing a 12 round decision to Wladimir Klitschko.
Povetkin addressed his fans via Instagram video. He said, “the years take their toll.” The former champ explained he has several injuries that need attention. He also told his fans it is time to “end my career.”
Alexander Povetkin enjoyed the last major victory of his boxing career in August 2020 when he scored a fifth-round knockout over Dilian White. The win made Povetkin both the WBC diamond and interim world heavyweight champion. He lost the rematch against White seven months later.
Povetkin’s manager admitted to being worried about the fighter’s health earlier this year after Povetkin became ill with the Covid-19 virus. Povetkin says the illness made it hard for him to continue training as a boxer.
“I feel as if I am drunk,” Povetkin explained his day-to-day dealing with the sickness. “I am not 20 years old,” he continued before saying, “I need time to heal.”