Vitali adds to brother Wladimir's IBF and WBO collection BERLIN // Vitali Klitschko reclaimed the WBC heavyweight title with a convincing victory over Samuel Peter. The Ukrainian veteran, who was returning to the ring after a four-year absence, dominated from the outset and proved far too strong for the Nigerian Peter, who had to withdraw after eight rounds. Klitschko, 37, picked off punches with ease throughout the opening rounds and was well ahead on all three scorecards when Peter chose not to start the ninth round.
Klitschko, who conceded seven pounds to his opponent, was fighting for the first time since a successful title defence against Danny Williams in Las Vegas in 2004. He retired the following year due to a knee injury but looked in fine shape as he overwhelmed Peter. Klitschko said: "It was not an easy fight, it was not easy preparation. I have had so many injuries but now I am fit and healthy. "I have my skills, I can't lose my skills. If I am fit and healthy I can show a good performance.
"If you want very much, have big will and support from your team, family and my brother, I can do anything." Klitschko's victory means that he and his brother Wladimir are now world heavyweight champions at the same time. Wladimir, who was at ringside, holds the IBF and WBO belts but the titles will not be unified as the pair have no intention of fighting each other. Vitali Klitschko added: "It was a good performance and I made my dream [for us] to be the world champions at the same time. We have one more belt in the Klitschko family."
* PA Sport
