Vitali Klitschko vacates WBC title to focus on Ukraine 'freedom' fight

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/16/vitali-klitschko-vacates-wbc-title

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Vitali Klitschko is to step away from boxing to focus on politics after being appointed "champion emeritus" by the World Boxing Council. The move leaves the WBC heavyweight title vacant and, although Klitschko could decide to return to the ring to fight for it, he says that is unlikely.

The 42-year-old, who boasts a 45-2 record with 41 KOs, has been heavily involved in the political crisis in his home country, where pro-European Union demonstrators have staged large-scale protests in Kiev against the refusal by the president, Viktor Yanukovych, to sign a deal for closer integration with the EU.

Klitschko, the leader of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform and a member of the Ukrainian parliament, has emerged as a leader of the opposition movement and has confirmed he will make a run for the country's presidency.

In a statement Klitschko said: "I want to thank the WBC and its president, Don Jose Sulaiman, for the support in our fight for democracy and freedom in Ukraine. It was and is a great honour to hold the WBC title and I've always done it with pride. The offer of the WBC gives me the theoretical possibility to return to the boxing ring which I cannot imagine at all to the current state.

"Right now, my full concentration is on politics in Ukraine, and I feel that the people need me there. My brother Wladimir will ensure more sporting success and I will – as always – support him as much as he currently supports me in my political fight."

Klitschko's younger brother Wladimir, 37, is the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO world heavyweight champion.

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