VITALI KLITSCHKO RELINQUISHES WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TO FOCUS ON POLITICS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 17 Dec 2013
Vitali Klitschko.
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko has relinquished his world title and has been confirmed as the WBC?s Champion Emeritus and Champion for Life.
The announcement was made by WBC executive director Mauricio Sulaiman on behalf of his father and WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman.
In a statement Klitschko said "This offer makes it theoretically possible to return to the ring, which I cannot imagine at all happening as things stand now. I am now concentrating on the politics in Ukraine. I feel people need me there."
The WBC said Vitali Klitschko ?is fighting the fight of his life, this time outside the ring and is showing he has the true heart of a champion by leading his countrymen to battle in the streets in their search for human equality, rights and peace for the great country of the Ukraine.?
During the recent 51st WBC Annual Convention in Bankok, the world organization issued a special proclamation applauding Klitschko and joining his efforts to represent boxing and the WBC in his candidacy for the presidency of Ukraine.
Klitschko is a lawmaker and chairman of the opposition party Udar (Punch) and intends to run for president in 2015.
He relinquished the title as massive crowds have demonstrated for weeks in Kiev to protest against president Viktor Yanukovych's decision to shun closer ties with the European Union and push his country toward Russia.
Klitschko has taken an active part in the rallies, urging his countrymen to continue their fight to turn the former Soviet republic into a genuine Western democracy.
He made it clear "This is not a revolution. It is a peaceful protest that demands justice," Klitschko said earlier this month. "The people are not defending political interests. They are defending the idea of living in a civilized country."
The 42-year-old Klitschko has a record of 45 victories and 2 defeats, with 41 wins inside the distance. His younger brother Wladimir holds the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts.
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