After 26 years as a boxing legend and model, Vitali Klitschko has split from Natalia.

Vitali Klitscko, a heavyweight boxing legend, has separated from Natalia, his wife of 26-years. The couple now live in separate countries.

The 51-year old insists that the couple still enjoy a "very good" relationship.

Klitschko is the mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. He has worked tirelessly since Russia invaded Kyiv in February.

Natalia, 48 an ex-model and musician, has lived in Germany for many years.

They were married in 1996, after meeting in Kiev. However, they had been separated for some time.

Klitschko confirmed that they have filed for divorce.

Bild reported that he said: "We filed together for divorce because we have been living apart since years and now want it to be official.

"We have a great relationship and respect one another, but we've lived apart in different cities for a while."

Ex-couple have three children together: Yegor-Daniel (22), Elizabeth-Victoria (19), and Max (16).

Natalia is half Ukrainian, half German and a yoga teacher.

Vitali still writes to her every day to inform her that he is safe in Kyiv.

Natalia is said to have assisted refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine over the past six months.

Vitali was a professional boxer who had a record of 45-2 and won the WBO as well as WBC heavyweight titles.

Before retiring from sports, he became involved in politics and is now the mayor of Kyiv.

Vitali, along with Wladimir his brother and boxing legend, vowed to fight against Russian invaders.

When Russian troops invaded Kyiv earlier in the year, the pair took to arms to defend Kyiv.