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. Odlanier Solís Vitali Klitschko and Odlanier Solis was going to take place in Cologne, Germany on March 19, 2011. It was reported that Odlanier Solis earned 1.8 million US dollar for the fight, which is 1.4 million Euro. Vitali earned 15 million US dollars. In Germany, the fight was broadcast live and exclusively on RTL Television. The first press conference of the fight was officially held in Cologne and both fighters and managers attended the press conference. At the press conference, neither fighter or promoter etc. spoke English, as there was no need to. Odlanier Solis does not speak English and Vitali