The illustrious professional career of Wladimir Klitschko came to an end on Thursday, after the boxer announced his decision to quit the sport and hang up his gloves.

The two-time world heavyweight champion concludes his career with 64 wins alongside five defeats.

Klitschko was on holiday since the bout against Anthony Joshua in April 2017, and confirmed the news of calling time on his career after taking into consideration several factors.

Manager Bernd Boente gave an insight into the thought process of the dynamic Ukrainian, which ultimately came to a close after 21 years in the sport.

Boente told BBC Radio 5, as reported by BBC Sport: “Wladimir has nothing to prove. He is one of the best heavyweights in the history of the sport.

“He always said if I'm missing the motivation or health that I will retire.”

There were speculations of the rematch between Joshua and Klitschko later this year – with BoxRec placing the bout on November 11 to be held at Las Vegas.

Boente further stated when Klitshcko broke the news to him before publicly disclosing his decision.

“The final decision was yesterday. We met in a restaurant, we had dinner and then Wladimir said: 'I've listened to my stomach and my brain - and both tell me that this is it.'

“He said he'd had a fantastic career and didn't want to overdo it and that this is the right point. I definitely think that is the right decision and I support it 100%.”

Despite the loss at Wembley earlier this year, the 41-year-old has enjoyed a phenomenal career, with impressive performances, literally dominating the sport for a substantial period of time in his prime years.

The remarkable career started with winning Olympic gold in 1996, which brought him into the limelight, following it up with his first world title in 2000 in his 36th bout.

His 22-fight winning streak prior to the defeat against British boxer Tyson Fury earned him WBO, WBA, and IBF belts.

However, there were critics who questioned his credibilities, with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn leading the line.

“He was probably taking what some fans thought were soft defences. But Wladimir was dominating in an era where there weren't too many challenges to go through,” Hearn continued.

“The way he has acted - in and out of the ring, as an ambassador for charities and a real nice man - part of me is happy he can leave this sport with a healthy bank account and his health intact.

“And he can carry a legacy now, even though he lost at Wembley.”

A notable career spanning 69 fights, Klitshcko can be regarded as one of the best in the game.

Known for his charitable causes as well as conducting himself impeccably throughout his boxing career against any opposition, the next step of his life is still unclear.

Elder brother Vitali addressed the issue by saying: "In the nearest future. he will answer by himself about his further career plans. I am sure that he will be as successful as in sport."

As per rules, it takes a boxer five years 'till he is entered into boxing’s Hall of Fame – with Vitali set to be inducted in 2018, while Wladimir can expect to join him in 2022.