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 Klitschko his most competitive fight since his defeat to Lennox Lewis in 2003. Chisora also became only the fourth man (after Tino Hoffmann, Kevin Johnson and Shannon Briggs), to take Klitschko the full twelve round distance. In the post match press conference, Chisora was involved in a controversial confrontation with fellow British boxer David Haye, which subsequently paved the way for the pair's own grudge match later in the year. 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