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Vitali Klitschko

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Vitali Klitschko
Born
Vitali Volodymyrovych Klychko

(1971-07-19) July 19, 1971 (age 53)
Belovodsk, Kirghiz SSR (now Kyrgyzstan)
NationalityUkrainian
Other namesDr. Ironfist
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)[1]
Reach203 cm (80 in)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights46
Wins44
Wins by KO40
Losses2
Draws0
No contests0
Vitali Klitschko
Medal record
Representing  Ukraine
Men’s Boxing
World Amateur Championships
Silver medal – second place 1995 Berlin Super heavyweight

Vitali Volodymyrovych Klychko (Ukrainian: Віта́лій Володи́мирович Кличко́, [ʋiˈtɑʎiɪ̯ klɪtʃˈkɔ]; English: /vɨˈtæli ˈklɪtʃkoʊ/, German: Vitali Klitschko; born 19 July 1971) is a Ukrainian professional boxer and the reigning WBC Heavyweight Champion. He is a leader of the political party UDAR of Vitaliy Klychko and a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Congress of the Council of Europe. He previously held the WBO and WBC titles. Klitschko is the first professional boxing world champion to hold a Ph.D. degree.

Klitschko is known for his powerful punches and durable chin. With a 86.96% knockout percentage rate, he holds the second best knockout-to-fight ratio of any champion in heavyweight boxing history, after Rocky Marciano's 87.76%. He has never been knocked down in any professional boxing bout and has also never lost a decision. His two losses have come via a shoulder injury during a fight and a deep cut above his eye, which did however result in TKO losses. His power and his possession of a Ph.D has led to his nickname, Dr. Ironfist.

He was awarded Germany's highest civilian award, the Federal Cross of Merit, for his varied accomplishments.[2] On February 27 2012, Ring Magazine rated Vitali as the number nine pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Klitschko's younger brother, Wladimir Klitschko, is the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine World Heavyweight Champion.

Kickboxing

Originally Klitschko was an amateur kickboxer. In 1992 he was knocked out in the final of the European Kickboxing Championships +89 kg light contact division by Englishman Pelé Reid. [dubious – discuss] In 1993 he defeated Ryushi Yanagisawa in the Japanese mixed martial arts promotion Pancrase under WKA Special Rules (no low kicks) via R5 decision. In 1994 he defeated Richard Vince by second round KO to retain his ISKA World Super Heavyweight title.[3] In 1996 he turned professional and compiled a record of 34–1 with 22 knockouts. He was a world champion six times (professional and amateur).[4]

Boxing career

Klitschko won the Super Heavyweight Championship at the first World Military Games in Italy in 1995. Vitali won the silver medal at the 1995 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Berlin, Germany, where he was defeated by Russia's Alexei Lezin in the final. In his autobiography, published in Germany in 2004, the boxer revealed that he tested positive for a banned steroid in 1996. He attributed the presence of the drug to treatment of a leg injury but was dismissed from the Ukrainian boxing team and missed the Atlanta Olympics.[5] His brother Wladimir moved up from heavyweight to super heavyweight to take his place in the squad and won the Olympic gold medal. His amateur record was 195–15 with 80 knockouts.

WBO title

Klitschko began his professional boxing career in 1996, winning his first twenty-four fights by either early knockout or technical knockout (TKO). He and Wladimir signed with the German athlete-promotion company Universum. With both brothers holding Ph.D.s and being multilingual, their refined and articulate personalities made for mainstream marketability when they moved to Germany and Universum. In time, they became national celebrities in their adopted home country. In his 25th pro fight, on 26 June 1999, Klitschko won the WBO heavyweight title from Herbie Hide of the United Kingdom by a 2nd round knockout.

He successfully defended the title twice. He defeated Ed Mahone by knockout in the third round and beat Obed Sullivan, who retired after the ninth round.

Loss to Chris Byrd

By April 2000 Vitali Klitschko was one of the top stars in the heavyweight division and a prime candidate to be the next undisputed champion. He had won all 27 of his contests by knockout. On 1 April, Klitschko had a third title defence against the American Chris Byrd, who was a late replacement. Byrd made himself a difficult target and tried to thwart Klitschko's offence by being elusive. Klitschko won most of the rounds and was heading towards a comprehensive points victory when he suffered a serious shoulder injury. After the ninth round, Klitschko notified his corner that he had a shoulder pain and threw in the towel, thus handing Klitschko his first defeat and awarding Byrd the win by knockout. At the time of the stoppage, Klitschko had a lead on all three judges' scorecards (89–82, and 88–83 twice). Klitschko, who was later diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, received much criticism for quitting the fight.

Klitschko rebounded from his loss to Byrd by reeling off five victories in a row, earning himself a shot at WBC Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis on 21 June 2003 in Los Angeles, California.

Klitschko vs Lewis

Klitschko, a 4–1 underdog, dominated the early going and stunned Lewis in the second round with two hard rights.[6] In the third, Lewis landed a big right hand of his own that opened a deep cut above Klitschko's left eye.[6] Klitschko was able to rally and Lewis, who had weighed in at his career heaviest for the fight, was breathing heavily after a few rounds. Both men traded big shots, and in the sixth Lewis got through with a hard uppercut. Before the seventh round, the ringside doctor inspected the wound and deemed it severe enough to threaten eye damage if struck again, stopping the fight despite Klitschko's pleas to continue. Klitschko was ahead on all three judges' scorecards 58–56 (4 rounds to 2) at the time of the stoppage, but because the wound was a result of punches from Lewis and not a headbutt, Lewis won by technical knockout.[6][6] Klitschko, despite the loss, gained international respect for fighting so well against the heavyweight champion for 6 rounds. Negotiations for a 6 December rematch began.[7] After negotiations collapsed, Vitali defeated Kirk Johnson in a WBC Eliminator bout on 6 December date,[8] setting up a mandatory rematch with Lewis. In January 2004, the WBC announced that it would strip Lewis of the belt if he let pass a March 15 deadline to sign for a rematch with Vitali.[9] Shortly thereafter, Lewis announced his retirement and vacated the title. For years after this fight, Klitschko would still occasionally call out Lewis, despite the fact that Lewis has been retired since early 2004, for a rematch.[10]

WBC Heavyweight Champion

Around this time, the Klitschko brothers moved from Hamburg, Germany to Los Angeles, California.

In January 2004, they notified Universum that they would not re-sign when their contracts expired in April. Universum sued the brothers, arguing that their recent injuries had triggered a clause binding them beyond April. The suit was ultimately resolved in favour of the Klitschkos in November 2009.[11]

Klitschko earned an 8th-round TKO victory over South African Corrie Sanders on 24 April 2004, to capture the World Boxing Council Heavyweight Championship that had been vacated by Lewis. Sanders had knocked out (2nd Round TKO) younger brother Wladimir on 8 March 2003. This fight was also for The Ring Magazine belt. Klitschko was rocked early by Sanders, but by using movement and strong punching he broke down Sanders and forced the referee to stop the bout.

Vitali Klitschko's first WBC title defense was against British boxer Danny Williams. Williams had become suddenly marketable from a KO over Mike Tyson in round 4. Klitschko scored a technical knockout against Williams in 8 rounds on 11 December 2004, while wearing an orange cloth to show support for the Ukrainian presidential opposition movement. Klitschko knocked Williams down in the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 8th rounds before the fight was stopped. Immediately afterward, Klitschko dedicated his victory to democracy in his native Ukraine and also to the Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko, whom he supported in the 26 December 2004, election revote.[12]

Brothers Wladimir (left) and Vitali (right) Klitschko

On 9 November 2005, Vitali Klitschko announced his retirement from professional boxing and vacated his title. He had been training to fight Hasim Rahman, but unfortunately, just 9 days before the fight, he had entangled his leg with his sparring partner, causing them to fall heavily. He snapped his anterior cruciate ligament, a very serious injury, which would take up to a year to heal, with surgery, and possibly would be career ending. To avoid keeping the title out of use, he retired. The WBC was grateful for his consideration. On other occasions he cited regrets about his suddenly mounting injuries, a desire to leave the sport while still on top and political aspirations in his home country of Ukraine.[13] Following his retirement, the WBC conferred "champion emeritus" status on Klitschko, and assured him he would become the mandatory challenger if and when he decided to return.[14]

In the German Bild-Zeitung, he announced on 24 January 2007 his comeback and requested to fight again.

Return bout against Samuel Peter

On 3 August 2008, the WBC awarded Klitschko a chance to regain his WBC heavyweight title. After Vitali's retirement, his younger brother had established dominance in the division, winning two of the four world titles available. The reigning WBC Champion was Samuel Peter (who had lost a close decision to Wladimir in a thrilling fight in 2005). At the time there was interest in a potential Peter vs Wladimir unification match. Instead Vitali took advantage of his champion emeritus status and secured a title challenge against Peter. The fight was arranged on 11 October 2008 at O2 World, Berlin. It would be one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in the past few years. Both men had a rightful claim to being the champion and the stakes for the future of the heavyweight division were high. Despite some questioning Vitali's decision to return after four years, he managed to regain his title in dominating fashion. Klitschko had Peter intimidated from the first round and stunned him with accurate hard punches. Klitschko kept the hard punching Nigerian off with an effective left jab and took control in the centre of the ring. Over eight rounds Klitschko completely dismantled and outfought the younger champion. After the eighth round, Peter slumped on his stool, shook his head and asked that the bout be stopped. With the Samuel Peter victory, Klitschko technically became one of the few men to ever hold a version of the world heavyweight championship three times – WBO (1999–2000), WBC (2004–2005) WBC (2008–Present). Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield won the major heavyweight titles three times defeating recognized world-class fighters, whilst Klitschko and Michael Moorer held split titles, particularly the WBO belt which was only established in 1989 and has been frequently contested by lesser boxers. Neither Klitschko nor Moorer has ever been the undisputed champion (though Moorer was the lineal champion from April 94 to November 94), unlike Ali, Holyfield and Lewis.

Second reign as WBC Champion

Since his comeback win over Samuel Peter, Vitali Klitschko has defended his WBC Heavyweight Championship eight times as of February, 2012. Despite having a four year hiatus from the sport, Vitali has proven to be a remarkably effective and dominant Heavyweight Champion once again. He has fought the best challengers available in an attempt to prove himself the best heavyweight in the world. Alongside his brother Wladimir, he also fights on for their shared ambition of holding all four Heavyweight Championship belts together, an ambition that was realised on 2 July 2011 when brother Wladimir defeated David Haye to win the WBA Heavyweight Championship.

Klitschko vs. Gomez

On 21 March 2009, Klitschko defeated Juan Carlos Gomez by TKO in the ninth round. Gomez tried to use his movement to thwart Vitali but seemed unable to cope with the power and physical strength of his opponent. As the rounds progressed, Klitschko began imposing himself on Gomez more and more. Gomez soon became wary of Klitschko's power and also began to tire physically. By the sixth round Vitali was in total control. The end came when the referee stopped the fight in the ninth round as Gomez appeared unable to withstand any more hits.

Klitschko vs. Arreola

On 26 September, Klitschko earned a one-sided TKO victory over Chris Arreola at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California when Arreola's trainer, Henry Ramirez, asked the referee to stop the fight.[15] Arreola was considered at the time one of the division's hardest punchers; however, Klitschko kept Arreola at bay with his left jab and hit him almost at will with his right. Arreola had been influenced by Samuel Peter's defeat to Klitschko in 2008, in which Peter had tried to box from the outside. He therefore employed a gameplan which involved applying constant pressure to Vitali in order to force him into a high tempo fight. Despite his efforts, the bout became one sided very quickly. Klitschko consistently proved himself faster, sharper and much fitter than Arreola.

Klitschko vs. Johnson

On 12 December Vitali defeated Kevin Johnson by unanimous decision, winning almost every round. Johnson, a skillful fighter, tried to negate Klitschko's strength with angles and head movement, though he proved hard to hit he failed to launch any sustained attack of his own. After the Johnson bout, Klitschko's camp began negotiations for a potential fight with former WBA Champion Nikolai Valuev, but the match failed to materialise due to economic disagreements.[16][17][18][19]

[20]

Klitschko vs. Sosnowski

Klitschko vs Sosnowski, 29 May 2010

On 29 May 2010 Vitali Klitschko defeated Polish heavyweight contender Albert Sosnowski by KO at 2:30 in round 10 of 12. The fight took place at Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Vitali Klitschko weighed in at 112 kg (247 lbs), while Sosnowski weighed in at 110 kg (242.5 lbs). This was Vitali's 4th defence of the WBC heavyweight title.

Notes:

  • Voluntary defense of the WBC title
  • Sosnowski was the #11 ranked heavyweight according to the WBC prior to this bout
  • Sosnowski was knocked down by a right hand in the 10th round, prompting referee Jay Nady to immediately wave off the fight.[21]

Klitschko vs. Briggs

On 17 August 2010, it was announced that Klitschko would defend his WBC title against Shannon Briggs on 16 October of that year. Klitschko completely dismantled his challenger with superior hand speed. Briggs struggled to land any meaningful punches, as Klitschko won every round decisively. After a few rounds, Briggs was receiving a vicious and sustained beating which caused him serious facial injuries. Considering the beating he was receiving, there was some suggestion that the referee should have stopped the bout during the last few rounds. Klitschko had retained his belt with official scores of 120–107, 120–105, and 120–107.[22][23] During the post-fight interview, the American boxer said: “I’ve fought George Foreman, I’ve fought Lennox Lewis, and Vitali’s the best.” While Klitschko did not knock down Briggs, the latter collapsed after the fight and was hospitalized with facial fractures and a torn biceps.

Klitschko vs. Solis

Main article: Vitali Klitschko vs. Odlanier Solís

Klitschko's next fight was against mandatory challenger Odlanier Solis. The bout was tentatively scheduled for March 2011.[24] On 11 January, it was officially confirmed that the fight between Klitschko and Solis was going to take place in Cologne, Germany on 19 March 2011. The fight lasted less than one whole round, as a right hand to Solis's temple wobbled Solis, who then twisted his knee. Klitschko won by KO.[25][26]

Klitschko and Adamek, during signing for the fight in 2011

Klitschko vs. Adamek

Main article: Vitali Klitschko vs. Tomasz Adamek

Now aged 40, Klitschko retained his WBC heavyweight title against Tomasz Adamek on 10 September 2011 in Poland, winning by TKO in the 10th round. The referee stopped the bout after Adamek received punishing blows and was ruled out, as he was no longer able to defend himself.

Late career

After turning 40 on 19 July 2011, Vitali has gone down in history as one of the oldest heavyweight champions ever and currently the 14th longest reigning heavyweight champion of all time. Since his comeback, (11 Oct 2008) he has registered victories averaging every 4.4 months which is unusually active for a Heavyweight title holder in the modern era of boxing. In January 2012, he was awarded WBC Fighter of the Year for 2011.[27] Klitschko was in negotiations for a possible bout with former WBA heavyweight title holder David Haye on 3 March 2012.[28][29][30] But after Vitali's brother, Wladimir, had to cancel his fight with Jean-Marc Mormeck, it was thought that Vitali was likely to fight on 25 February 2012.[31] Sources in Germany reported that he was likely to fight British contender Dereck Chisora on 18 February 2012 in Olympiahalle, Munich, Bayern.[32][33][34] It was confirmed on 12 December 2011 that Dereck Chisora would be Vitali Klitschko's next opponent.[35][36] Vitali Klitschko retained his WBC championship belt unanimously in a dominant display in Munich. The fight was fought against a backdrop of antagonism displayed by the contender Dereck Chisora at the weigh in. Dereck unmagnanimously slapped Vitali across the face causing a red mark to be left. The next day Dereck, not content enough with that stunt, spat water over the face of Vitali's brother Wladimir.

Vitali won the majority of the rounds boxing a disciplined fight with changing angles and superior footwork. Although Chisora had his moments, he was not able offset the champion's game plan. The scores were: 118–110, 118–110, 119–111. The next day, Vitali visited a hospital to check his shoulder, claiming he injured it in the fight. A doctor confirmed a ligament tear was suffered in Vitali's left shoulder. Klitschko said he "suddenly lost strength in the left hand" and was forced to only use his right. The injury was believed to have happend in the second or third round. Klitschko's trainer, Fritz Zdunek, believes this is the same kind of injury Vitali suffered in his fight with Byrd.[37]

At the post fight press conference a brawl ensued between David Haye and Dereck Chisora. Dereck Chisora has since been arrested at a German airport along with his coach Don Charles. After the altercation Dereck Chisora challenged David Haye to a fight in the ring and said, "I am going to shoot David Haye." His comments and actions were later condemned by Frank Warren his promoter and Wladimir Klitschko. [38][39][40][41]

Over the last 6 months an Internet Boxer named Charlie Zelenoff (Known for sucker punching Floyd Mayweather Sr.) has been making numerous videos calling out Vitali.

Political career

Klitschko began campaigning for mayor of Kiev shortly after his retirement in 2005. He lost the 2006 mayoral election to Leonid Chernovetskyi but placed second with 26% of the vote, ahead of the incumbent Oleksandr Omelchenko[42] Klitschko campaigned on an anti-corruption platform[42] and lead the bloc "Civic party" PORA-ROP (the parties PORA and Reforms and Order Party) in the simultaneously held local elections for the Kiev City Council.[43] Analysts stated his relatively late entry into the campaign might have cost him votes. Still, Klitschko was elected as a people's deputy to the Kiev City Council since "Civic party" PORA-ROP won 14 seats in the 2006 election.[43][44] In the May 2008 Kiev local election, he ran again and won 18% of the vote. Klitschko simultaneously led the Vitaliy Klychko Bloc that won 10.61% of the votes and 15 seats and again he was elected into the Kiev City Council.[45] His campaign hired Rudy Giuliani as a consultant for the campaign.[42] In 2008 he was also appointed to the Ukrainian delegation of the Congress of the Council of Europe.

Klitschko became the leader of the political party UDAR of Vitaliy Klychko in April 2010.[46] During the 2010 Ukrainian local elections, the party won representatives in (Ukrainian) municipalities and Oblast Councils (regional parliaments).[47][48][49]

In October 2011, Klitschko announced that he would compete in the 2012 Kiev mayoral election.[50]

Political positions

Klitschko sees the European Union as Ukraine's "model for our future political and economic development."[51] He believes current President Viktor Yanukovych and his Government are "deliberately destroying the integration (into Europe) prospects of Ukraine."[52] Klitschko is in favour of NATO-Ukraine cooperation.[53]

Klitschko wants less corruption and more transparency in Ukrainian politics.[51][54] He also advocates lower taxes to stimulate the economy of Ukraine.[51]

Klitschko did accuse in October 2011 President Yanukovych and the Azarov Government of "doing everything to manipulate the rules to stay in power longer";[54] furthermore (in December 2011) he assert(ed) "every statement of the government" as "a continuation of lies and disinformation."[52] Klitschko wants former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and former Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko to be able participate in the 2012 parliamentary elections (Lutsenko is charged with abuse of power and Tymoshenko has been sentenced for the same misconduct).[55][56] He has also taken part in a rally for Tymoshenko's release.[56]

In December 2011 Klitschko described the judicial system of Ukraine as "complete degradation" and accused it of violating human rights and humiliating its prisoners.[57]

Personal life

File:Klitschko's back in the days.jpg
Klitschko brothers with their mother and father.

His father, Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko (1947–2011), was a Soviet Air Force major general and a military attaché of the Soviet Union in the East Germany. He was also one of the commanders in charge of cleaning up the effects of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster in 1986 and was afterward diagnosed with cancer.[citation needed] His mother is Nadezhda Ulyanovna.[58]

Klitschko is married to Natalia Egorova, a former athlete and model. They met in Kiev and got married on 26 April 1996. He has three children, Yegor-Daniel, Elizabeth-Victoria and Max (named after the former World Heavyweight Champion Max Schmeling).[59][60]

In 1996, he graduated from the Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky Pedagogical Institute (Ukraine) and was accepted into the postgraduate study program at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. On 29 February 2000, he presented his doctoral thesis on "talent and sponsorship in sports"[61] at the Kiev University of Physical Science and Sports and his Ph.D. in Sports Science was conferred.

Both Vitali and his brother are avid chess players. Vitali is a friend of former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik and the two have played, with Kramnik always winning. Vitali has commented that "chess is similar to boxing. You need to develop a strategy, and you need to think two or three steps ahead about what your opponent is doing. You have to be smart. But what's the difference between chess and boxing? In chess, nobody is an expert, but everybody plays. In boxing everybody is an expert, but nobody fights."[62]

Vitali and his brother also have been involved in charitable activities dedicated to support the needs of schools, churches and children. In 2002, the Klitschko brothers announced that they had agreed to work for UNESCO.

Professional boxing record

44 Wins (40 knockouts, 4 decisions), 2 Losses, 0 Draws[63]
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Win 44–2 United Kingdom Dereck Chisora UD 12 2012-02-18 Germany Olympiahalle, Munich, Bayern Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 43–2 Poland Tomasz Adamek TKO 10 (12), 2:20 2011-09-10 Poland Municipal Stadium, Wrocław, Lower Silesian Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 42–2 Cuba Odlanier Solis KO 1 (12), 3:00 2011-03-19 Germany Lanxess Arena, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 41–2 United States Shannon Briggs UD 12 2010-10-16 Germany O2 World Arena, Altona, Hamburg Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 40–2 Poland Albert Sosnowski KO 10 (12), 2:30 2010-05-29 Germany Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 39–2 United States Kevin Johnson UD 12 2009-12-12 Switzerland PostFinance Arena, Berne, Canton of Berne Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 38–2 United States Chris Arreola RTD 10 (12), 3:00 2009-09-26 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 37–2 Cuba Juan Carlos Gómez TKO 9 (12), 1:49 2009-03-21 Germany Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 36–2 Nigeria Samuel Peter RTD 8 (12), 3:00 2008-10-11 Germany O2 World, Kreuzberg, Berlin Won WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 35–2 United Kingdom Danny Williams TKO 8 (12), 1:26 2004-12-11 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Retained WBC & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 34–2 South Africa Corrie Sanders TKO 8 (12), 2:46 2004-04-24 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Won vacant WBC & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 33–2 Canada Kirk Johnson TKO 2 (12), 2:54 2003-12-06 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York WBC Heavyweight title eliminator.
Loss 32–2 United Kingdom Lennox Lewis TKO 6 (12), 3:00 2003-06-21 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California For Lineal, The Ring, WBC & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win 32–1 United States Larry Donald TKO 10 (12), 2:35 2002-11-23 Germany Arena Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
WBA Heavyweight title eliminator.
Win 31–1 United States Vaughn Bean TKO 11 (12), 1:40 2002-02-08 Germany Volkswagen Halle, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 30–1 United States Ross Puritty TKO 11 (12), 1:16 2001-12-08 Germany König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 29–1 United States Orlin Norris KO 1 (12), 1:09 2001-01-27 Germany Rudi Sedlmayer Halle, Munich, Bayern Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 28–1 Germany Timo Hoffmann UD 12 2000-11-25 Germany Preussag Arena, Hannover, Niedersachsen Won vacant EBU Heavyweight title.
Loss 27–1 United States Chris Byrd RTD 9 (12), 3:00 2000-04-01 Germany Estrel Convention Center, Neukölln, Berlin Lost WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 27–0 United States Obed Sullivan RTD 9 (12), 3:00 1999-12-11 Germany Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 26–0 United States Ed Mahone TKO 3 (12), 1:45 1999-10-09 Germany König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 25–0 United Kingdom Herbie Hide KO 2 (12), 1:14 1999-06-26 United Kingdom New London Arena, Millwall, London Won WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 24–0 France Ismael Youla TKO 2 (12), 1:30 1999-02-20 Germany Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg Retained EBU Heavyweight title.
Win 23–0 Italy Francesco Spinelli TKO 1 (12), 1:49 1998-12-05 Ukraine Sport Palace, Kiev, Kiev Oblast Retained EBU Heavyweight title.
Win 22–0 Germany Mario Schiesser TKO 2 (12), 2:00 1998-10-24 Germany Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg Won vacant EBU Heavyweight title.
Win 21–0 Jamaica Ricardo Kennedy TKO 1 (8), 1:31 1998-08-11 United States Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort, Miami, Florida
Win 20–0 Cuba Jose Ribalta TKO 2 (8), 2:13 1998-06-05 Germany Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg
Win 19–0 United States Dicky Ryan TKO 5 (12) 1998-05-02 Germany Hansehalle, Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein Won vacant WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 18–0 United Kingdom Julius Francis TKO 2 (12) 1998-04-18 Germany Eurogress, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 17–0 United States Levi Billups KO 2 (10) 1998-03-20 Germany Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 16–0 United States Louis Monaco KO 3 (10) 1998-03-07 Germany Sartory Saale, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 15–0 Bulgaria Alben Belinski KO 2 (8) 1998-01-30 Germany Berdux Filmstudios, Munich, Bayern
Win 14–0 United States Marcus Rhode TKO 2 (10) 1998-01-17 Germany Sport und Erholungszentrum, Friedrichshain, Berlin
Win 13–0 United States Anthony Willis KO 5 (8) 1997-12-20 Germany Oberrheinhalle, Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg
Win 12–0 United States Herman Delgado TKO 3 (8) 1997-11-29 Germany Rheinstrandhalle, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg
Win 11–0 United States Gilberto Williamson KO 6 (8), 2:50 1997-11-08 Germany Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 10–0 United States Will Hinton KO 2 (6) 1997-10-04 Germany Stadionsporthalle, Hannover, Niedersachsen
Win 9–0 United States Jimmy Haynes KO 2 (6) 1997-06-14 Germany Saaltheater Geulen, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 8–0 United States Cleveland Woods KO 2 (6), 2:16 1997-05-10 Germany Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 7–0 United States Derrick Roddy TKO 2 (6), 2:14 1997-04-12 Germany Eurogress, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 6–0 United States Calvin Jones KO 1 (6), 2:58 1997-03-08 Germany Sartory Saale, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 5–0 Canada Troy Roberts TKO 2 (6), 1:14 1997-02-22 Germany Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg
Win 4–0 United States Mike Acklie KO 1 (6), 0:32 1997-01-25 Germany Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
Win 3–0 United States Brian Sargent TKO 2 (6), 1:08 1996-12-21 Germany Zoo-Gesellschaftshaus, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 2–0 Slovakia Frantisek Sumina TKO 1 (4), 1:12 1996-11-30 Austria Nova Arena, Wiener Neustadt, Niederösterreich
Win 1–0 United States Tony Bradham KO 2 (4), 1:14 1996-11-16 Germany Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg Professional debut.

See also

References

  1. ^ Boxing | BoxRec. boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2011-05-10.
  2. ^ Bsanna News – Bsanna News. Bsanna-news.ukrinform.ua (2010-06-04). Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
  3. ^ TheRealVinnySharp. "Vitali Klitschko vs Ryushi Yanagisawa". Youtube. Retrieved 2011-11-27.
  4. ^ "Interview: Head 2 Head with Vitali Klitschko". Eastsideboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-11-27.
  5. ^ Mee, Bob (2004-11-02). "Klitschko admits steroid abuse". Telegraph Sport. London. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  6. ^ a b c d Freeman, Mike (2003-06-22). "Lewis Cuts the Deepest and Retains His Title". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-22.
  7. ^ Daley, Kieran (31 July 2003). "Boxing: Lewis set to retire after re-match with Klitschko". London: The Independent. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
  8. ^ Vitali Klitschko vs. Kirk Johnson – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
  9. ^ Rafael, Dan (2004-01-27). "WBC to Lewis: Fight or else". USA Today.
  10. ^ "Vitali Klitschko Only Interested in Lennox Lewis, Valuev – Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  11. ^ "Klitschko Bros KO Universum". Eastsideboxing.com. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  12. ^ "Klitschko Remains a Champion In a Dominating Show of Force". New York Times. 2004-12-12. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  13. ^ "Rahman: If not Vitali, bring on Wlad". Sports.espn.go.com. 2005-11-10. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  14. ^ Davies, Gareth A (2008-10-12). "David Haye confident he can take down both Klitschko brothers". London: Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  15. ^ "Dominant Klitschko beats Arreola". BBC Sport. 2009-09-27. Retrieved 2009-09-28.
  16. ^ Krikunov, Andrey (December 28, 2009). "Vitali Klitschko-Nikolai Valuev Possible For April/May?". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
  17. ^ Reeno, Rick (February 8, 2010). "Vitali Klitschko, Nikolai Valuev Talks Have Cooled Down". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
  18. ^ Krikunov, Andrey (March 2, 2010). "Vitali Klitschko, Nikolai Valuev Hoping To Reach Terms". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
  19. ^ Vester, Mark (March 10, 2010). "Vitali Klitschko Says: "Nikolai Valuev is a Chicken"". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
  20. ^ Christ, Scott. (2010-02-19) Vitali Klitschko will retire at the end of 2010. Bad Left Hook. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
  21. ^ "Vitali Klitschko vs. Albert Sosnowski – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 2011-11-27.
  22. ^ Sukachev, Alexey (October 16, 2010). "Vitali Klitschko Gives Briggs a Brutal Beating in Hamburg". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  23. ^ "Vitali Klitschko Keeps His Title". The New York Times. October 17, 2010. Retrieved January 8, 2011. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. ^ Reeno, Rick (January 7, 2011). "Klitschko-Solis Close, March 19 Eyed, Purse Bid Delayed". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
  25. ^ Home – Klitschko.com – English. Klitschko.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
  26. ^ Home – Klitschko.com – German. Klitschko.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
  27. ^ "Klitschko Named WBC Fighter of 2011". RIA Novosti. 18 January 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  28. ^ "Haye confirms Kiltschko fight talks". BBC News. 2011-11-28.
  29. ^ Sheehan, Pat. The Sun. London http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/boxing/3968197/David-Haye-could-fight-Vitali-Klitschko-in-March.html. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  30. ^ Davies, Gareth A (2011-11-30). "David Haye has a deal on the table to go ahead and fight WBC world heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko next year". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  31. ^ Vitali Klitschko vs Chisora, Dimitrenko or Haye on 2/25? – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com (2011-12-08). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  32. ^ Klitschko vs Chisora on February 18, Then Haye in June – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com (2011-12-13). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  33. ^ Vitali Klitschko to defend WBC title against Dereck Chisora – ESPN. Espn.go.com (2011-12-12). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  34. ^ "Haye's comeback clash against Klitschko on hold as Vitali agrees Chisora date". Daily Mail. London. 2011-12-12.
  35. ^ Prikbordfoto's. Facebook. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  36. ^ Chisora droht Klitschko: "Bin die schlimmste Pest". RTL.de (2011-12-15). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  37. ^ Vitali Gets Medical Check, Left Shoulder Injury Confirmed – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  38. ^ Dereck Chisora spits water on Wladimir Klitschko. YouTube. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  39. ^ Haye vs Chisora Fight Video from Munich Presser – Full video. YouTube (2012-02-18). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  40. ^ Dereck Chisora slaps Vitali Klitschko at Weigh In. YouTube. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  41. ^ Dereck Chisora makes Vitali Klitschko fight to retain crown | Sport | The Observer. Guardian (2012-02-19). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
  42. ^ a b c Chan, Sewell (2008-05-07). "Giuliani Weighs In on Race for Mayor (in Ukraine) - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com". Cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  43. ^ a b Template:Uk icon Каськів вирішив, що Кличко одноразовий by Ukrayinska Pravda (17 April 2006)
  44. ^ "Kyiv gets first new mayor in decade". Kyiv Post. 2006-03-29. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  45. ^ "Biography Vitaliy Klitchko, official party website". Klichko.org. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  46. ^ "WBC World Champion Vitaly Klitschko leads new party". Kyiv Post. 2010-04-24. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  47. ^ Template:Uk icon Results of the elections, preliminary data, on interactive maps by Ukrayinska Pravda (8 November 2010)
  48. ^ Template:Uk icon Сергій Одарич формуватиме більшість у міськраді Черкас, Cherkasy city counsil website (November 8, 2010)
  49. ^ Template:Uk icon Мером Львова обрано Андрія Садового, ЛьвівNEWS (November , 2010)
  50. ^ Template:Uk icon Кличко збирається в мери і в парламент, [[Ukref>{{cite web |last =Reeno |first =Rick |title =Vitali Klitschko, Nikolai Valuev Talks Have Cooled Down |work = |publisher =BoxingScene.com |date =February 8, 2010 |url =http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=showrayinska Pravda]] (22 October 2011)
  51. ^ a b c My new fight is for a country more like Europe (Vitali Klitschko for The Times), UDAR of Vitaliy Klychko (22 November 2011)
  52. ^ a b Template:Uk icon Кличко зрозумів, що Янукович зневажає історію, UNIAN (30 December 2011)
  53. ^ Template:Uk icon Кличко закликає активніше говорити про НАТО, Ukrayinska Pravda (26 November 2011)
  54. ^ a b Klitschko meets with McCain to discuss deterioration of democracy in Ukraine, Kyiv Post (12 October 2011)
  55. ^ Tymoshenko, Lutsenko should participate in 2012 parliamentary elections, says Klychko, Interfax Ukraine (23 January 2012)
  56. ^ a b Thousands rally for Ukraine ex-PM’s release, Oman Daily Observer (23 January 2012)
  57. ^ Klitschko: Holding court on Tymoshenko in cell shows degradation of judicial system in Ukraine, Kyiv Post (8 December 2011)
  58. ^ У братьев Кличко умер отец. Komsomolskaya Pravda (in Russian) 13 July 2011
  59. ^ Кличко улетел от жены, как 14 лет назад. Segondnya (in Russian). 26 April 2010
  60. ^ Виталий Кличко. men.org.ua
  61. ^ CyberBoxingZone News, 29-02-2000 "Calling Dr. Klitschko". Retrieved 07-11-2008.
  62. ^ HBO (2009-09-27). "Boxing: Fighters: Bio: VITALI KLITSCHKO". HBO. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  63. ^ Vitali Klitschko – Boxer. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vitali Klitschko.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by WBO Heavyweight Champion
June 26, 1999 – January 4, 2000 		Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Lennox Lewis 		WBC Heavyweight Champion
April 24, 2004 – November 9, 2005
Retired 		Succeeded by
Hasim Rahman
Interim Champion promoted
The Ring Heavyweight Champion
April 24, 2004 – November 9, 2005
Retired 		Vacant
Title next held by
Wladimir Klitschko
Preceded by WBC Heavyweight Champion
October 11, 2008 – present 		Incumbent
Honorary titles
Preceded by
N/A
 WBC Heavyweight Champion
Emeritus Champion
November 9, 2005 – October 11, 2008 		Succeeded by
N/A
Preceded by Tallest Heavyweight Champion
June 26, 1999 – December 17, 2005 		Succeeded by
Sporting positions
Vacant
Title last held by
Pele Reid 		WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion
May 2, 1998 – October 10, 1998 		Vacant
Title next held by
Danny Williams
Vacant
Title last held by
Zeljko Mavrovic 		EBU Heavyweight Champion
October 24, 1998 – June 26, 1999 		Vacant
Title next held by
Wladimir Klitschko
Vacant
Title last held by
Wladimir Klitschko 		EBU Heavyweight Champion
November 25, 2000 – January 5, 2002 		Vacant
Title next held by
Luan Krasniqi
Vacant
Title last held by
Wladimir Klitschko 		WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion
January 27, 2001 – June 21, 2003 		Vacant
Title next held by
Wladimir Klitschko

Template:Persondata

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