Vitali Klitschko aims to reclaim glory after four-year absence

By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Some may question the wisdom behind 37-year-old Vitali Klitschko's decision to end his retirement and return to boxing after almost a four-year absence. For him, it is all about listening to his heart.

"We have a dream for two brothers, at the same time, to be world champions and write boxing history," he said during a recent promotional stop. "We have to make our dream come true."

His younger brother, Wladimir, rules the heavyweight division according to the International Boxing Federation, the World Boxing Organization and the International Boxing Organization. Vitali can secure the World Boxing Council title if he topples reigning champion Samuel Peter when they clash on Oct. 11 in Berlin (Showtime, 9 p.m. ET).

Klitschko — Vitali, that is — last fought on Dec. 11, 2004, when he retained his WBC crown with an eighth-round technical knockout vs. Danny Williams. He was scheduled to make a title defense against Hasim Rahman in 2005 but instead required an operation on his right knee. He had been slowed by nerve problems in his lower back before that.

Klitschko retired with a 35-2 record highlighted by 34 knockouts in November 2005, saying, "My body will not allow me to play this game anymore."

Now, he hopes that time heals all wounds. "I am 100% ready," he said in looking ahead to the challenge he will face in Peter (30-1, 23 KOs). "I'm optimistic about Oct. 11."

Highly regarded trainer Emanuel Steward, acting as an adviser to Klitschko, admits that he cannot be sure what the comeback will amount to.

"The four years may have slowed him down," Steward said, "or they may have given him the proper rest and hunger to catch up to his brother."

Klitschko is returning to the ring despite concerns voiced by his wife, Natalie, and his mother, Natalia. Peter, the 27-year-old Nigerian, packs tremendous power in his right hand, but Klitschko said, "I can't lose my boxing skills. I have them always with me all my life."

Although Klitschko became heavily involved in the political arena during a failed run for election as mayor of Kiev, he said he continued with daily workouts to maintain conditioning.

Steward can see that Klitschko is re-energized.

"He feels now, with the time off, that his body is completely healed," he says. "He feels he can go out and use his experience and height and boxing technique to carry it through. He's itching to get back. He is really motivated to catch up to his brother."

Peter, who must overcome a 6-inch disadvantage against his 6-7 foe, doesn't lack motivation, either. Wladimir dealt him his lone setback, in a 12-round decision on Sept. 24, 2005.

"I want to send Vitali back into retirement, and then end his brother's reign as champion," Peter said. "I will become the first fighter to end an entire family's boxing career."

Klitschko shot down a rumor that Lennox Lewis might come out of retirement as well to fight him. "I saw Lennox Lewis and, in my personal opinion, he needs two years to get in shape," he said laughing. "He enjoys life too much, I mean the food."