Vitali Klitschko: Farewell, Europe!

By Yuriy Nesterenko - Klitschko Bros Official Web-Site Director - klitschko.com

28.09.01 - On September 28, 2001, Vitali Klitschko vacated his European Title. I suspect that many European boxers may calm down right now and start fighting for the vacant title of the strongest in Europe. I shall remind that Vitali Klitschko won the belt of the Champion of Europe for the first time on October 24, 1998, when he won by TKO 2 against the German boxer Mario Schiesser. Later on Vitali defended the title of the strongest boxer in Europe three times. On December 5, 1998 he won against Italian Francesco Spinelli and on February 20,1999 - the French boxer Ismael Yuolu. On November 25, 2000 Vitali won the Champion of Europe title again, when after eight a month vacation he beat Timo Hoffman in Hanover. To find out why such a decision was made we asked Vitali himself.

Vitali, why has a decision been made vacate the Champion of Europe title?
My promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl and I had a discussion yesterday, in which the decision was made to leave this title. I consider it silly to go on defending the Champion of Europe title. All contenders for that title are below me in the main boxing versions. My victory over them will not give the results boxing fans are expecting of us. You may defend the title of the strongest boxer in Europe once again but it won't change my position in ratings of all boxing versions. You should go forward. That's why we had this decision.

So, after your denial from the Champion of Europe title you possess only the title of Intercontinental Champion by the version of World boxing Association…
Yes, I do. This gives me right to meet boxers of the upper class. Getting victories over them I'll be able to raise myself in ratings and box for the World Champion Title.

When will your next bout be conducted?
The WBA Intercontinental Champion Title bout will be conducted on schedule as it has been announced before. On the 8th of December. Oberhausen has been chosen as a venue for this fight. Ross Puritty will be my contender.

It goes then that July's story of "Brother's revenge - 2" will come true in December. Won't it?
Everyone remembers the story of December 1998. That is why so many have been expecting this fight, which should have been held July 28 in Berlin. I am sure that boxing fans are still interested in that fight.

When are you going to start your training?
Actually, Wladimir and I have been training for a week already.

Who will be Wladimir's contender in a bout of December 1?
This question is still open.

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