Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Vitali Klitschko is first Ukrainian elected to International Boxing Hall of Fame

December 6, 2017 (Ukrinform) WBC’s Champion Emeritus Vitali Klitschko has officially become the first Ukrainian elected to International Boxing Hall of Fame. 
Erik Morales, Vitali Klitschko and Ronald Wright were elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, in balloting results announced on Tuesday. The three will be enshrined among boxing immortals during the 29th annual induction ceremonies on June 10 in Canastota, New York, ESPM reports.

As noted, Vitali Klitschko turned pro in 1996 and went on to win versions of the heavyweight crown three times even though he was retired from 2005 to 2008 because of injuries. After his comeback, he and younger brother Wladimir Klitschko held all four of the major heavyweight belts simultaneously.
"It's a dream of many boxers to be a member of the Hall of Fame family. I've thought about the Hall of Fame, but I never expected one day that I would be among the legends who were always examples for me such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and so many world-famous boxers. It's a big honor for me," Klitschko commented on being elected.
 To be eligible in that category, fighters must not have boxed for at least five years but have had their last fight no earlier than 1989. Klitschko, Morales and Wright all fought for the final time in 2012. They were elected by full members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international historians.

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