| Vitali Klitschko |
 |
| Statistics |
| Real name |
Vitali Volodymyrovych Klychko |
| Nickname(s) |
Dr. Ironfist |
| Rated at |
Heavyweight |
| Height |
2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)[1] |
| Reach |
203 cm (80 in) |
| Nationality |
 Ukrainian |
| Born |
(1971-07-19) July 19, 1971 (age 40)
Belovodsk, Kirghiz SSR (now Kyrgyzstan) |
| Stance |
Orthodox |
| Boxing record |
| Total fights |
46 |
| Wins |
44 |
| Wins by KO |
40 |
| Losses |
2 |
| Draws |
0 |
| No contests |
0 |
Vitali Klitschko (Ukrainian: Віта́лій Володи́мирович Кличко́ [transliteration: Vitali Volodymyrovych Klychko], [ʋiˈtɑʎiɪ̯ klɪtʃˈkɔ]; English: /vɨˈtæli ˈklɪtʃkoʊ/; 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 were recorded as TKO losses. His power and his possession of a Ph.D have 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 27 February 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 The Ring World Heavyweight Champion.
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]
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.
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 second 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.
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, a 4–1 underdog who had much less professional boxing experience,[citation needed] dominated the early going with many harder punches and stunning Lewis in the second round with two hard rights, leaving a cut under on Lennox's left eye.[6] In the third, Lewis landed a big right hand that opened a deep cut above Klitschko's left eye.[6] A replay after the third round showed Lennox landed the punch while hugging Klitschko in a clinch at 2:49 while the referee was trying to separate them.[citation needed] It was later revealed that the tape of Lewis's glove was a huge factor in the extent of the damage.[citation needed] Lewis began to specifically target Vitali's cut. In the fourth round at 1:23, Lennox threw some body shots in a clinch. The referee told them to separate several times before actually separating them himself. This happened again at :33, with Jim Lampley saying, "Lewis taking advantage of the clinch to pound Vitali Klitschko to the belly." After the fourth round, Emanuel Steward, Lewis' trainer, could be heard telling Lewis, "One thing, you're pushing him all the time now. Keep pushing your weight on him, all while you're inside clinching." 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. Perhaps the most controversial part came in round 5 at 2:12. Lewis held Klitschko once again and threw twelve dirty body shots in a row, with the referee, once again, making no attempt to separate them.[citation needed] Lampley commented throughout, "And good professional work by Lewis against the ribcage. As Vitali takes it, takes it, takes it, takes it! And referee Lou Moret just looks on!" George Foreman replied, "I don't know how the referee can let that holding and hitting go on." Larry Merchant told Foreman, "One punch, one hand is open. And you're allowed to do that, George-" "You can not hold and hit! If one guy's holding you, you have to break it!" Foreman told Merchant. Both men traded big shots, and in the sixth Lewis got through with a hard uppercut. As the sixth round was ending, Lewis punched Klitschko's injured eye twice in another clinch. Lewis appeared to have punched Klitschko after the bell ended round six.[citation needed] 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]
Lampley referred to the crowd's reaction, "You heard the response to the stoppage: Almost universal booing in the house." 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]
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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, 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]
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'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
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.
After turning 40 on 19 July 2011, Vitali became one of the oldest Heavyweight Champions in history and currently the 14th longest reigning Heavyweight Champion of all time. Since his comeback on October 11, 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.[citation needed] 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] 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 slapped Vitali across the face causing a red mark to be left.[citation needed] The next day, Chisora spat water over the face of Vitali's brother Wladimir.[citation needed]
Vitali won the majority of the rounds boxing a disciplined fight with changing angles and superior footwork.[original research?] The scores were: 118–110, 118–110, 119–111.[citation needed] 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 happened 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. After the altercation Dereck Chisora challenged David Haye to a fight in the ring and said, "I am going to shoot David Haye." Dereck Chisora was later arrested at a German airport along with his coach, Don Charles. His comments and actions were later condemned by Frank Warren, his promoter, and Wladimir Klitschko. [38][39][40][41]
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]
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]
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.
| 44 Wins (40 knockouts, 4 decisions), 2 Losses, 0 Draws[63] |
| Res. |
Record |
Opponent |
Type |
Rd., Time |
Date |
Location |
Notes |
| Win |
44–2 |
 Dereck Chisora |
UD |
12 |
2012-02-18 |
 Olympiahalle, Munich, Bayern |
Retained WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
43–2 |
 Tomasz Adamek |
TKO |
10 (12), 2:20 |
2011-09-10 |
Municipal Stadium, Wrocław, Lower Silesian |
Retained WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
42–2 |
 Odlanier Solis |
KO |
1 (12), 3:00 |
2011-03-19 |
Lanxess Arena, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
Retained WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
41–2 |
 Shannon Briggs |
UD |
12 |
2010-10-16 |
O2 World Arena, Altona, Hamburg |
Retained WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
40–2 |
Albert Sosnowski |
KO |
10 (12), 2:30 |
2010-05-29 |
Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
Retained WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
39–2 |
Kevin Johnson |
UD |
12 |
2009-12-12 |
 PostFinance Arena, Bern, Canton of Bern |
Retained WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
38–2 |
Chris Arreola |
RTD |
10 (12), 3:00 |
2009-09-26 |
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California |
Retained WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
37–2 |
Juan Carlos Gómez |
TKO |
9 (12), 1:49 |
2009-03-21 |
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg |
Retained WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
36–2 |
 Samuel Peter |
RTD |
8 (12), 3:00 |
2008-10-11 |
O2 World, Kreuzberg, Berlin |
Won WBC Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
35–2 |
Danny Williams |
TKO |
8 (12), 1:26 |
2004-12-11 |
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada |
Retained WBC & The Ring Heavyweight titles. |
| Win |
34–2 |
 Corrie Sanders |
TKO |
8 (12), 2:46 |
2004-04-24 |
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California |
Won vacant WBC & The Ring Heavyweight titles. |
| Win |
33–2 |
 Kirk Johnson |
TKO |
2 (12), 2:54 |
2003-12-06 |
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York |
WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator. |
| Loss |
32–2 |
Lennox Lewis |
TKO |
6 (12), 3:00 |
2003-06-21 |
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California |
For WBC, IBO, Lineal & The Ring Heavyweight titles. |
| Win |
32–1 |
Larry Donald |
TKO |
10 (12), 2:35 |
2002-11-23 |
Arena Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
WBA Heavyweight Title Eliminator. |
| Win |
31–1 |
Vaughn Bean |
TKO |
11 (12), 1:40 |
2002-02-08 |
Volkswagen Halle, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen |
Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
30–1 |
Ross Puritty |
TKO |
11 (12), 1:16 |
2001-12-08 |
König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
29–1 |
Orlin Norris |
KO |
1 (12), 1:09 |
2001-01-27 |
Rudi Sedlmayer Halle, Munich, Bayern |
Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
28–1 |
Timo Hoffmann |
UD |
12 |
2000-11-25 |
Preussag Arena, Hannover, Niedersachsen |
Won vacant EBU Heavyweight title. |
| Loss |
27–1 |
Chris Byrd |
RTD |
9 (12), 3:00 |
2000-04-01 |
Estrel Convention Center, Neukölln, Berlin |
Lost WBO Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
27–0 |
Obed Sullivan |
RTD |
9 (12), 3:00 |
1999-12-11 |
Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg |
Retained WBO Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
26–0 |
Ed Mahone |
TKO |
3 (12), 1:45 |
1999-10-09 |
König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
Retained WBO Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
25–0 |
Herbie Hide |
KO |
2 (12), 1:14 |
1999-06-26 |
New London Arena, Millwall, London |
Won WBO Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
24–0 |
 Ismael Youla |
TKO |
2 (12), 1:30 |
1999-02-20 |
Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg |
Retained EBU Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
23–0 |
 Francesco Spinelli |
TKO |
1 (12), 1:49 |
1998-12-05 |
Sport Palace, Kiev, Kiev Oblast |
Retained EBU Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
22–0 |
Mario Schiesser |
TKO |
2 (12), 2:00 |
1998-10-24 |
Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg |
Won vacant EBU Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
21–0 |
 Ricardo Kennedy |
TKO |
1 (8), 1:31 |
1998-08-11 |
Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort, Miami, Florida |
|
| Win |
20–0 |
Jose Ribalta |
TKO |
2 (8), 2:13 |
1998-06-05 |
Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg |
|
| Win |
19–0 |
Dicky Ryan |
TKO |
5 (12) |
1998-05-02 |
Hansehalle, Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein |
Won vacant WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
18–0 |
Julius Francis |
TKO |
2 (12) |
1998-04-18 |
Eurogress, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
|
| Win |
17–0 |
Levi Billups |
KO |
2 (10) |
1998-03-20 |
Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen |
|
| Win |
16–0 |
Louis Monaco |
KO |
3 (10) |
1998-03-07 |
Sartory Saale, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
|
| Win |
15–0 |
 Alben Belinski |
KO |
2 (8) |
1998-01-30 |
Berdux Filmstudios, Munich, Bayern |
|
| Win |
14–0 |
Marcus Rhode |
TKO |
2 (10) |
1998-01-17 |
Sport und Erholungszentrum, Friedrichshain, Berlin |
|
| Win |
13–0 |
Anthony Willis |
KO |
5 (8) |
1997-12-20 |
Oberrheinhalle, Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg |
|
| Win |
12–0 |
Herman Delgado |
TKO |
3 (8) |
1997-11-29 |
Rheinstrandhalle, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg |
|
| Win |
11–0 |
Gilberto Williamson |
KO |
6 (8), 2:50 |
1997-11-08 |
Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen |
|
| Win |
10–0 |
Will Hinton |
KO |
2 (6) |
1997-10-04 |
Stadionsporthalle, Hannover, Niedersachsen |
|
| Win |
9–0 |
Jimmy Haynes |
KO |
2 (6) |
1997-06-14 |
Saaltheater Geulen, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
|
| Win |
8–0 |
Cleveland Woods |
KO |
2 (6), 2:16 |
1997-05-10 |
Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen |
|
| Win |
7–0 |
Derrick Roddy |
TKO |
2 (6), 2:14 |
1997-04-12 |
Eurogress, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
|
| Win |
6–0 |
Calvin Jones |
KO |
1 (6), 2:58 |
1997-03-08 |
Sartory Saale, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen |
|
| Win |
5–0 |
Troy Roberts |
TKO |
2 (6), 1:14 |
1997-02-22 |
Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg |
|
| Win |
4–0 |
Mike Acklie |
KO |
1 (6), 0:32 |
1997-01-25 |
Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg |
|
| Win |
3–0 |
Brian Sargent |
TKO |
2 (6), 1:08 |
1996-12-21 |
Zoo-Gesellschaftshaus, Frankfurt, Hessen |
|
| Win |
2–0 |
 Frantisek Sumina |
TKO |
1 (4), 1:12 |
1996-11-30 |
 Nova Arena, Wiener Neustadt, Niederösterreich |
|
| Win |
1–0 |
Tony Bradham |
KO |
2 (4), 1:14 |
1996-11-16 |
Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg |
Professional debut. |
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- ^ Bsanna News – Bsanna News. Bsanna-news.ukrinform.ua (2010-06-04). Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
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- ^ Mee, Bob (2004-11-02). "Klitschko admits steroid abuse". Telegraph Sport (London). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/2389404/Boxing-Klitschko-admits-steroid-abuse.html. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
- ^ a b c Freeman, Mike (2003-06-22). "Lewis Cuts the Deepest and Retains His Title". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/22/sports/boxing-lewis-cuts-the-deepest-and-retains-his-title.html?scp=10&sq=klitschko%20lewis&st=cse. Retrieved 2009-06-22.
- ^ Daley, Kieran (31 July 2003). "Boxing: Lewis set to retire after re-match with Klitschko". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/boxing-lewis-set-to-retire-after-rematch-with-klitschko-588533.html. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
- ^ Vitali Klitschko vs. Kirk Johnson – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
- ^ Rafael, Dan (2004-01-27). "WBC to Lewis: Fight or else". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2004-01-25-lewis-wbc_x.htm.
- ^ "Vitali Klitschko Only Interested in Lennox Lewis, Valuev – Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=16423.html. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ "Klitschko Bros KO Universum". Eastsideboxing.com. http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=21793&more=1. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- ^ "Klitschko Remains a Champion In a Dominating Show of Force". New York Times. 2004-12-12. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E02E3DF1F31F931A25751C1A9629C8B63&fta=y. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ "Rahman: If not Vitali, bring on Wlad". Sports.espn.go.com. 2005-11-10. http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2220413. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ Davies, Gareth A (2008-10-12). "David Haye confident he can take down both Klitschko brothers". London: Telegraph.co.uk. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/3184341/David-Haye-confident-he-can-take-down-both-Klitschko-brothers.html. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ "Dominant Klitschko beats Arreola". BBC Sport. 2009-09-27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/8274233.stm. Retrieved 2009-09-28.
- ^ Krikunov, Andrey (December 28, 2009). "Vitali Klitschko-Nikolai Valuev Possible For April/May?". BoxingScene.com. http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=24364. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
- ^ Reeno, Rick (February 8, 2010). "Vitali Klitschko, Nikolai Valuev Talks Have Cooled Down". BoxingScene.com. http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=25230. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
- ^ Krikunov, Andrey (March 2, 2010). "Vitali Klitschko, Nikolai Valuev Hoping To Reach Terms". BoxingScene.com. http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=25718. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
- ^ Vester, Mark (March 10, 2010). "Vitali Klitschko Says: "Nikolai Valuev is a Chicken"". BoxingScene.com. http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=25912. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
- ^ Christ, Scott. (2010-02-19) Vitali Klitschko will retire at the end of 2010. Bad Left Hook. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
- ^ "Vitali Klitschko vs. Albert Sosnowski – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia". Boxrec.com. http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:1500483. Retrieved 2011-11-27.
- ^ Sukachev, Alexey (October 16, 2010). "Vitali Klitschko Gives Briggs a Brutal Beating in Hamburg". BoxingScene.com. http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=31898. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
- ^ "Vitali Klitschko Keeps His Title". The New York Times. October 17, 2010. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/sports/17sportsbriefs-Wbc.html?_r=1&ref=vitaliklitschko. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
- ^ Reeno, Rick (January 7, 2011). "Klitschko-Solis Close, March 19 Eyed, Purse Bid Delayed". BoxingScene.com. http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=34487. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
- ^ Home – Klitschko.com – English. Klitschko.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
- ^ Home – Klitschko.com – German. Klitschko.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
- ^ "Klitschko Named WBC Fighter of 2011". RIA Novosti. 18 January 2012. http://en.rian.ru/sports/20120118/170829386.html. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ^ "Haye confirms Kiltschko fight talks". BBC News. 2011-11-28. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/15927657.stm.
- ^ Sheehan, Pat. The Sun (London). http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/boxing/3968197/David-Haye-could-fight-Vitali-Klitschko-in-March.html.
- ^ 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). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/8924501/David-Haye-has-a-deal-on-the-table-to-go-ahead-and-fight-WBC-world-heavyweight-champion-Vitali-Klitschko-next-year.html.
- ^ Vitali Klitschko vs Chisora, Dimitrenko or Haye on 2/25? – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com (2011-12-08). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Klitschko vs Chisora on February 18, Then Haye in June – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com (2011-12-13). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Vitali Klitschko to defend WBC title against Dereck Chisora – ESPN. Espn.go.com (2011-12-12). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ "Haye's comeback clash against Klitschko on hold as Vitali agrees Chisora date". Daily Mail (London). 2011-12-12. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2073090/David-Hayes-fight-Vitali-Klitschko-threat-Ukranian-faces-Dereck-Chisora.html.
- ^ Prikbordfoto's. Facebook. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Chisora droht Klitschko: "Bin die schlimmste Pest". RTL.de (2011-12-15). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Vitali Gets Medical Check, Left Shoulder Injury Confirmed – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Dereck Chisora spits water on Wladimir Klitschko. YouTube. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Haye vs Chisora Fight Video from Munich Presser – Full video. YouTube (2012-02-18). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Dereck Chisora slaps Vitali Klitschko at Weigh In. YouTube. Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ Dereck Chisora makes Vitali Klitschko fight to retain crown | Sport | The Observer. Guardian (2012-02-19). Retrieved on 2012-02-22.
- ^ 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. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/giuliani-weighs-in-on-race-for-mayor-in-ukraine/. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ a b (Ukrainian) Каськів вирішив, що Кличко одноразовий by Ukrayinska Pravda (17 April 2006)
- ^ "Kyiv gets first new mayor in decade". Kyiv Post. 2006-03-29. http://www.kyivpost.com/nation/24142/. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ "Biography Vitaliy Klitchko, official party website". Klichko.org. http://klichko.org/?C=53. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ "WBC World Champion Vitaly Klitschko leads new party". Kyiv Post. 2010-04-24. http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/64928/. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ (Ukrainian) Results of the elections, preliminary data, on interactive maps by Ukrayinska Pravda (8 November 2010)
- ^ (Ukrainian) Сергій Одарич формуватиме більшість у міськраді Черкас, Cherkasy city counsil website (November 8, 2010)
- ^ (Ukrainian) Мером Львова обрано Андрія Садового, ЛьвівNEWS (November , 2010)
- ^ (Ukrainian) 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)
- ^ 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)
- ^ a b (Ukrainian) Кличко зрозумів, що Янукович зневажає історію, UNIAN (30 December 2011)
- ^ (Ukrainian) Кличко закликає активніше говорити про НАТО, Ukrayinska Pravda (26 November 2011)
- ^ a b Klitschko meets with McCain to discuss deterioration of democracy in Ukraine, Kyiv Post (12 October 2011)
- ^ Tymoshenko, Lutsenko should participate in 2012 parliamentary elections, says Klychko, Interfax Ukraine (23 January 2012)
- ^ a b Thousands rally for Ukraine ex-PM’s release, Oman Daily Observer (23 January 2012)
- ^ Klitschko: Holding court on Tymoshenko in cell shows degradation of judicial system in Ukraine, Kyiv Post (8 December 2011)
- ^ У братьев Кличко умер отец. Komsomolskaya Pravda (in Russian) 13 July 2011
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- ^ HBO (2009-09-27). "Boxing: Fighters: Bio: VITALI KLITSCHKO". HBO. http://www.hbo.com/boxing/fighters/klitschko_vitali/bio.html. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ Vitali Klitschko – Boxer. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-19.
| Awards and achievements |
Preceded by
Herbie Hide |
WBO Heavyweight Champion
June 26, 1999 – January 4, 2000 |
Succeeded by
Chris Byrd |
| 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
Samuel Peter |
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
Jess Willard |
Tallest Heavyweight Champion
June 26, 1999 – December 17, 2005 |
Succeeded by
Nikolay Valuev |
| 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 |
| Persondata |
| Name |
Klitschko, Vitali |
| Alternative names |
|
| Short description |
|
| Date of birth |
19 July 1971 |
| Place of birth |
Belovodsk, Kirghiz SSR |
| Date of death |
|
| Place of death |
|
![SB.TV Sport Biz - Dereck Chisora Interview - (Haye vs Chisora 1/2) - [S1.EP3]](http://web.archive.org./web/20130519184852im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/N_KJPZfxW-Q/default.jpg "SB.TV Sport Biz - Dereck Chisora Interview - (Haye vs Chisora 1/2) - [S1.EP3]")
