Wladimir Klitschko is considered one of the best heavyweights of the 21st century.
The Ukrainian was a dominant force in the division before Klitschko retired after an epic final fight against Anthony Joshua.
The former champion held the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles at the peak of his career, only not becoming undisputed due to his brother holding the WBC belt.
Among some of the names that Klitschko has defeated include Alexander Povetkin, David Haye, Chris Bryd, as well as many others.
However, among ‘Dr. Steelhammer’s’ losses is one of the greatest heavyweight upsets of all time.
Wladimir Klitschko lost his heavyweight title in shock defeat in 2003
Klitschko claimed his first world heavyweight title in 2000 when he took on Bryd in Cologne for the WBO World Heavyweight title. Winning the bout in Germany convincingly on the scorecards this would be the start of a great title run for the Ukrainian.
However, after five title defenses, Klitschko met Corrie Sanders in 2003.
Sanders was 38-2 when he met the Ukrainian. However, he was overlooked by many for the title.
Despite a promising record, the South African had not faced the caliber of opponent that Klitschko had. As well as this, Sanders never fought for a world title before.
However, this did not matter to Sanders, who pulled off one of the greatest upsets of all time.
Despite the odds, it was a quick night at the office for ‘The Sniper’, who knocked out Klitschko in round two.
Sanders remarkably knocked down Klitschko twice in a matter of seconds in the first round. Then, in round two, he would go down for a third time, before a fourth knockdown would end the bout.
The loss was a truly shocking one, however, he would regain his heavyweight crown in 2006.
Wladimir Klitschko’s shock loss was avenged by his brother
Although Wladimir Klitschko would not get a rematch with Sanders, his brother, Vitali, would face the South African next.
The two met for the vacant WBC World Heavyweight title a year after Sanders defeated Wladimir Klitschko.
It would be the Ukranian’s chance to redeem his last title loss, as Klitschko suffered a fight-ending cut versus Lennox Lewis. However, this time a Klitschko would defeat Sanders.
In what was a one-sided victory, Vitali Klitschko avenged the loss of his brother, as he extended his winning record to 34-2.
Klitschko would then hold on to his WBC World Heavyweight title until the end of his career in 2012.