By John F. McKenna (McJack): A couple of days ago another story circulated in the boxing media that World Boxing Coucil (WBC) heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KO’s) was only going to fight maybe one or two more times before retiring.
When the story appeared in print “Dr. Ironfist” was at least as surprised as everyone else. After all, Vitali had not given any interviews or indicated to anyone that he had any intention of hanging up his gloves.
So the question is why do these rumors continuing to circulate every month or so? What could be the motivation, other than the lack of a credible story to write? Vitali has demonstrated since he came back from a four year layoff due to a series of injuries that he still has what it takes to be not only a heavyweight champion, but a dominant heavyweight champion.
Vitali returned to the ring in October 2008 to destroy then WBC heavyweight champion Sam Peter in 8 rounds, taking Peter’s WBC crown in the process. Since that time Vitali TKO’d Juan Carlos Gomez, won by TKO over Chris Arreola when Arreocla’s corner stopped their fight after the 10th round, won all twelve rounds against “Kingpin” Johnson, who refused to engage Klitschko, KO’d Albert Sosnowski in the 10th round, won all 12 rounds against a game Shannon Briggs, scored a 1st round KO over Odlanier Solis and won by a 10 round TKO over Tomas Adamek.
Klitschko dominated all 8 of his opponents since his comeback, not losing a single round. Shannon Briggs said that Klitschko was the hardest puncher and the best fighter he had ever fought in a fight which should have been stopped by his corner. Vitali’s most recent opponent, Tomasz Adamek said after his fight with Klitschko on September 10 that Vitali would have defeated him even if he was 5 inches shorter, he was just a better fighter.
Vitali for his part maintains that he feels like a 25 year old and has never felt better in his life. His recent ring performances seem to bear that out. After his victory over Albert Sosnowski in May 2010 Klitschko said he felt as thought he could have gone 25 rounds.
Part of Vitali’s longevity as a fighter is attributable to the way he takes care of his body. He is never out of shape between fights and never has to struggle to get back into condition.
Finally, it is unlikely that Vitali Klitschko will retire as long as he feels that there is a glimmer of hope of luring David Haye into the ring with him.
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