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| WBC heavywight champion Vitali Klitschko retires November 9, 2005 FRANKFURT, Germany (Ticker) - Injuries ended up getting the best of Vitali Klitschko. Considered by many the world's heavyweight champion, Klitschko on Wednesday announced his retirement to a German wire service because of a knee injury. The German-based Ukrainian, who holds the WBC belt, postponed his mandated title defense against Hasim Rahman for the fourth time after tearing ligaments in his right knee in training last week. Adblock "Recently I have been bothered more by my injuries than opponents in the ring," Klitschko said in a statement. "It was a very hard decision for me to end my professional career, but I want to retire at the top and now make room for my successors. I want to thank my team, the media and the fans for their cooperation and their support." Klitschko, 34, came under heavy criticism for withdrawing from the fight, which was scheduled to take place Saturday in Las Vegas. After failing to respond to medical treatment for what originally called a sprained knee, Klitschko underwent surgery - performed by Dr. Neal Elattrache - in Inglewood, California earlier this week. Klitschko complied a 35-2 record with 34 KOs in his eight-year career. "Dr. Iron Fists" gained notoriety in June 2003 when he appeared to be winning against then-champion Lennox Lewis before the fight was halted in the sixth round because of the bloody condition of the Ukrainian's eye. In April 2004, Klitschko did not fail in his second opportunity at the title when he posted an eighth-round TKO of Corrie Sanders, who won the vacant championship by defeating Klitschko's younger brother, Wladimir. Vitali Klitschko fought just once more, earning another eighth-round TKO of Danny Williams on December 11. He was scheduled to fight Rahman, the former undisputed champion, in April but a thigh injury forced a postponement. Back injuries were cited as the reason he pushed back the next two scheduled matches. The politically active Vitali Klitschko, who holds a doctorate from the University of Kiev, stated that he will look to be more active in bringing reform to his native country. "I seek new social and political challenges in my home country the Ukraine," Vitali Klitschko said. |
| QUOTE (Scrooge McSuck @ Nov 9 2005, 03:46 PM) |
| I've only heard of 1 of these guys (Samuel Peter), and he bored me to tears last time I've seen him fight. |