Vitali Klitschko a year to heal and possibly prove career ending. To avoid keeping the title out of use he retired. The WBC was grateful for his consideration. On other occasions he cited regrets about his suddenly mounting injuries, a desire to leave the sport while still on top and political aspirations in his home country of Ukraine. Following his retirement, the WBC conferred "champion emeritus" status on Klitschko, and assured him he would become the mandatory challenger if and when he decided to return. On 3 August 2008 the WBC awarded Klitschko a chance to regain his WBC Heavyweight title. After
Vitali Klitschko vs. Dereck Chisora Vitali Klitschko vs. Dereck Chisora Vitali Klitschko vs. Dereck Chisora billed as Showdown in Munich was a heavyweight championship fight for the WBC title. The bout took place at the Olympiahalle in Munich, Germany on 18 February 2012. Klitschko won via a unanimous points decision after the full twelve rounds to retain his title. Vitali Klitschko had first become a heavyweight champion in 1999, when he picked up the WBO title for knocking out Herbie Hide. In his third defence against Chris Byrd, Klitschko was forced to retire from the fight with a shoulder injury at the end of the