Vitali Klitschko vacates WBO boxing title

Boxing champion Vitali Klitschko doesn't expect to fight again after vacating his world heavyweight title to concentrate on Ukrainian politics.

Boxing champion Vitali Klitschko

Boxer Vitali Klitschko has vacated his world heavyweight title so he can focus on politics. (AAP)

Vitali Klitschko has vacated his world heavyweight title and says he doesn't expect to fight again as he concentrates on Ukrainian politics and his role as an opposition leader.

The World Boxing Council on Monday proclaimed Klitschko a "Champion Emeritus", a move that would allow him to challenge the new champion directly should he wish to resume his career.

But Klitschko says he "could not imagine at all something like that happening as things stand now".

Klitschko says he will focus on politics in Ukraine and that "I feel people need me there".

The 42-year-old Klitschko has a 45-2 record with 41 knockouts.

His younger brother Wladimir holds the other significant heavyweight belts.

Massive crowds have demonstrated for weeks in Kiev to protest against President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to shun closer ties with the European Union.


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world