Klitschko vs. Klitschko: Vitali Profile 1

Since this special event is so big, we here at Athletes and Eras have expanded our writing duties. So don't be worried if you notice this post sounds a bit different than what you fans are used to.

Vitali Klitschko, the older of the Klitschko brothers, isn't just a powerhouse in the ring, he's got the smarts to back him up. Now, one would think that Vitali's vigorous career in boxing and kickboxing might have a negative effect on his intelligence, but he has definitely proven that myth wrong. This Klitschko has a Ph.D in Sports Science and a seat in the Kiev City Council!
Vitali started his fighting career in 1992 as an amateur kickboxer. He turned pro in 1996 and collected an impressive record of 34-1, 22 by knockout! Not to mention he was world champion 6 times over his entire kickboxing career (yes, we're counting the amateur years, too)!

Towards the end of his amateur years, Vitali fought in the World Military Games and won the title of super heavyweight champion. He then won the silver medal at the 1995 World Amateur Boxing Championships. In 1996, he went pro with boxing as well, and earned the WBO heavyweight title, which he defended twice.
Vitali had a multitude of challengers and opponents during his career. He lost the WBO title to Chris Byrd (he suffered a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder), but after his shoulder healed he bounced back with five wins in a row - and that gave him a shot at the WBC heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis.
Vitali might have won the title during this fight if he hadn't been cut over the eye by Lewis. He was ahead on the judges scorecards when the fight was stopped. Lennox Lewis won the fight by TKO - Vitali's ring doctor wouldn't let the fight continue because it could have caused severe eye damage. Lewis retired soon after this fight, so a rematch was out of the question.

At the time of the fight, Vitali and his younger brother were getting settled into LA. After Lewis' retirement, Vitali beat Corrie Sanders and won the WBC heavyweight title. He defended this title fight after fight, until 2005, when he announced he would be retiring. However, in 2007, he came out of retirement, but could not fight - he had various health problems.
In 2008, the WBC gave Vitali a chance to get his title back. He fought Samuel Peter and won back the title when Peter threw in the towel - we at Athletes and Eras are proud to say that after 4 years in retirement, Vitali was able to intimidate and outfight the reigning champion!
This victory made Vitali Klitschko the fourth man in boxing history to hold 3 versions of the same title!

Vitali has defended this title 7 times as of November 2011.

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