Vitali Klitschko was announced champion emeritus, which means that if he wants to return to boxing, he can fight the WBC Heavyweight Champion without having any fights beforehand. But (right after his retirement from boxing), Klitschko stated "That is something I currently cannot imagine". The WBC title was vacated and later contested by Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne. Commenting on his decision, he stated "My focus is on politics in Ukraine and I feel the people there need me". He also added, "I thank the WBC and its president Jose Sulaiman for the support in our battle for democracy and freedom in
Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko, billed as Die Rache des Bruders (German for "Revenge Of The Brother"), was a professional boxing match contested on 14 October 2000 for the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After his shock victory over the undefeated Vitali Klitschko, following Vitali suffering a torn rotator cuff, Chris Byrd agreed to face his number one contender, and Vitali's younger brother Wladimir. Wladimir Klitschko had won ten fights in a row following his first pro loss at the hands of journeyman Ross Puritty in December 1998. Klitschko knocked Byrd down in round nine and again