VITALI KLITSCHKO w rtd 8 SAMUEL PETER
October 11, 2008; O2 World Arena, Berlin, Germany
IN what with hindsight was quite a miserable time for the heavyweight division, Vitali Klitschko ended a three-year retirement and dethroned WBC champion, Samuel Peter, with clinical ease. But Klitschko deserves to be remembered fondly. A tremendous competitor and one every champion in history would have had a difficult time with, Vitali beat the stuffing out of his Nigerian opponent before convincing him enough was enough after eight rounds. It was his first bout since beating Danny Williams in 2004 and made all the more impressive when one considers the difficult time Wladimir Klitschko had with Peter in 2005. Vitali would remain champion until 2012 when he walked away to pursue a career in politics with a record of 45-2 (41).
DID YOU KNOW? Klitschko had planned to return in 2007 but a proposed bout with Jameel McCline was cancelled when the Ukrainian injured his back and he had to undergo emergency surgery.
WATCH OUT FOR: Peter was chopping down trees as part of his training for this bout but it’s the accuracy and punching power of Klitschko that draws the attention.
