Vitali revels in win
by Ciaran Baynes, 13 October 2008
Vitali Klitschko spoke of his delight on Saturday night that his "big risk" in challenging Samuel Peter for his old WBC heavyweight crown paid off.
The Ukrainian fighter, regarded as the Emeritus champion by the WBC, returned to the ring after four years out but showed little ring-rust dominating Samuel Peter throughout and landing left jabs and hooks at will.
Klitschko admitted afterwards that it was a big gamble coming back to the ring but was delighted that it paid off.
"I knew if I lost the fight I wouldn't get a second chance," Klitschko said. "It was a one-way ticket, and I used my chance.
"It was a big risk. Before i made the decision. I spoke with my team and I heard different opinions.
"My parents were worried. I am thankful for the people who believed in me and gave my support.
"I knew I was ready to take my world title back - the title that I didn't lose and gave back to the WBC."
Peter's manager Ivaylo Gotzev insisted it was the corner's decision to pull the Nigerian fighter out of the bout, rather than Peter's himself.
"It wasn't his night. what's important was to fight another day," Gotzev said. "We had nothing to prove. His corner said to stop the fight."
Afterwards, when Vitali was asked what would happen in a hypothetical bout between the new WBC champion and IBF/WBO king Wladimir Klitschko, the two brothers enjoyed a tongue-in-cheek exchange.
"That's provocation," Wladimir said, before turning to his brother. "Be careful.
"Remember you, pick up my toys," Vitali retorted.
Wladimir: "I remember you beat my butt when we were younger."
Vitali, picking up Wladimir's WBO belt: "You know one thing. I like this belt very much"
Wladimir: "I'm going to be like Samuel Peter and leave the press conference.
Vitali: "I feel I'm stronger than you."
Wladimir: "Be careful, when I get to camp we'll see who is stronger."
Click here to see the fight on demand on Setanta By Broadband.