Vitali Klitschko relinquishes his World Boxing Council heavyweight title to concentrate on politics Klitschko, who last fought in September 2012, had been given a deadline to decide on whether he would defend the title against mandatory contender Bermane Stiverne, the Canadian. He has chosen politics. Klitschko captured the WBC heavyweight crown in 2004, and after a break of almost four years through injury, returned to the ring in 2008 becoming the fourth boxer alongside Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis to win a heavyweight belt for the third time. Klitschko expressed his gratitude to the WBC for "the support in our fight for democracy and freedom in Ukraine." "It was and is a great honour to hold the WBC title and I've always done it with pride," he said. The offer of the WBC gives me the theoretical possibility to return to the boxing ring which I cannot imagine at all to the current state. Right now, my full concentration is on politics in Ukraine, and I feel that the people need me there. My brother Wladimir will ensure more sporting success and I will - as always - support him as much as he currently supports me in my political fight. Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali's 37-year-old younger brother, holds the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organisation and The Ring titles.