Wladimir Klitschko

Klitschko was born in Semipalatinsk, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union (now Semey, Kazakhstan).[http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=7035&cat=boxer Wladimir Klitschko – Boxer]. Boxrec.com. Retrieved 19 November 2014.Vester, Mark. [http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-fan-borat--6348 "Wladimir Klitschko A Fan of Borat"], BoxingScene.com, 22 November 2006[http://www.tour2kiev.com/en/Klitschko.html "Vitali & Wladimir Klitschko" (profile)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324062353/http://www.tour2kiev.com/en/Klitschko.html |date=24 March 2012 }}, Tour2Kiev.com, n.d. He is the son of Nadiia Ulianivna Klychko (née Bulyno) and Volodymyr Rodionovych Klychko (1947–2011), a Soviet Air Force major general and a military attaché of USSR in East Germany. He is the younger brother of former WBC, WBO, and Ring magazine heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, the current Mayor of Kyiv.[http://kp.ua/daily/130711/290155/ У братьев Кличко умер отец] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124003705/http://kp.ua/daily/130711/290155 |date=24 November 2011}}. Komsomolskaya Profile, kp.ua, 13 July 2011. {{in lang|ru}} Klitschko's paternal grandmother was Jewish.{{cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/article-700968 |title=Kyiv's mayor learns from the IDF how to defend Ukraine|date=10 March 2022 }}

The Klitschko brothers lived as children in Czechoslovakia from 1980 to 1985, where their father was stationed with the Soviet occupation forces. They attended a school designated for children of Soviet soldiers in the town of Mimoň in Northern Bohemia.{{cite book |title=Šťastné děti okupantů |trans-title=Happy children of the occupiers |url=https://radiozurnal.rozhlas.cz/stastne-deti-okupantu-6300041 |access-date=5 April 2022 |website=Czech Radio |language=cs |author=Vavrouška, Petr |date=1 January 2011}}

The Klitschko brothers lived in Pripyat, Ukrainian SSR from 1985 to 1986, when the town was evacuated following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The elder Klitschko was also one of the commanders in charge of cleaning up the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 and was afterward diagnosed with cancer.[https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/6769684/vladimir-rodionovich-klitschko-dies-father-wladimir-vitali-klitschko Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko dies; father of Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko – ESPN] . ESPN.go.com (14 July 2011). Retrieved 10 July 2014. He also served as a military attache at the embassy of Ukraine in Germany.[https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/73870.html Помер батько братів Кличків] Interfax Ukraine (in Ukrainian) 13 July 2011 His mother is Nadiya Ulyanivna.[https://vesti.ua/uk/files-uk/vladimir-klichko Володимир Кличко]. Vesti.ua (in Ukrainian) 9 February 2022

Both Wladimir and Vitali hold PhDs[http://www.klitschko.com/vitali-wladimir/wladimir-klitschko/]. Klitschko.com - Wladimir Klitschko Bio. Retrieved 26 April 2017.[http://www.klitschko.com/vitali-wladimir/vitali-klitschko/]. Klitschko.com - Vitali Klitschko Bio. Retrieved 26 April 2017. in sports science,{{cite news |last=Dwyre |first=Bill |author-link= Bill Dwyre |title=Boxer Wladimir Klitschko is a heavyweight deep thinker |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-klitschko-dwyre-20151014-column.html |date=14 October 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles |access-date=3 August 2017}} with Wladimir's dissertation discussing how much training to give to young athletes between 14 and 19 based on the development of their bodies.{{cite magazine |last1=Luscombe |first1=Belinda |title=10 Questions for Wladimir Klitschko |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,2113808,00.html |magazine=Time |date=14 May 2012 |access-date=14 September 2021}} As a reference to their PhDs, Wladimir is announced as "Dr. Steelhammer", a nickname similar to his brother, Vitali, who goes by "Dr. Ironfist".

Klitschko started training in amateur boxing with Brovary Olympic Reserve School in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s, Klitschko was coached in Poland's Gwardia Warszawa boxing club, where, according to Jerzy Kulej, "He and his brother used to demolish our boys."[http://www.tvn24.pl/sport,4/kliczko-juz-w-polsce-nokautowal-wyrywal-naszych-z-korzeniami,158132.html "Kliczko już w Polsce nokautował"], TVN24, 7 January 2011. In 1993, he won the Junior European Championships as a heavyweight. In 1994, he received 2nd place at the Junior World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, losing to Cuban Michel López Núñez in the finals.{{cite web |url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/WorldJuniorChamps1994.html |title=World Junior Champs1994 |website=amateur-boxing.strefa.pl}} In 1995, he won the gold medal at the Military Championships in Ariccia, Italy, defeating Luan Krasniqi, to whom he had lost in the third round of the World Championships in Berlin, Germany earlier that year. In 1996, he captured 2nd place as a Super Heavyweight at the European Championships in Vejle, Denmark losing to Alexei Lezin on points (1-6) in the finals. He defeated Lezin later that year on points (4-1) in the semi-finals at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.{{cite web |url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/EuropeanChampionships1996.html |title=European Championships1996 |website=amateur-boxing.strefa.pl}} Klitschko had an amateur record of 134 wins (65 KO) and 6 losses. Of his six amateur losses, two were by walkover (equivalent to a no-contest in a professional context), three were by points (to Michel López, Alexei Lezin, and Luan Krasniqi, all of whom he defeated in rematches), and one was by RSCI.{{cite web |url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Human:7035 |title=Wladimir Klitschko - BoxRec |website=boxrec.com}} The latter result happened at the 14th Copenhagen Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - November 1993, when his bout with Don Diego Poeder was stopped in the first round due to a cut.{{cite web|title=14.Copenhagen Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - November 1993|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/CopenhagenCup1993.html|website=Amateur Boxing|access-date=2 April 2017}}

He first achieved world attention at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He defeated Paea Wolfgramm to win the Super-Heavyweight gold medal.

Below are the notable achievements of Wladimir Klitschko in amateur boxing:[http://www.geocities.ws/pedrinet/wklitschko.html Vladimir Klitschko Amateur Career] (in Spanish) compiled by Pedro Cabrera Isidron of the Cuban Olympics Committee. Last updated: 13 August 2006.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{gold1}} Junior European Championships (91 kg), Thessaloniki, Greece, September–October 1993:

• 1/4: Defeated Irakli Fakadze (Georgia) 5–1
• 1/2: Defeated Valentin Savescu (Romania) RSC 2
• Finals: Defeated Sergey Lopatinskiy (Russia) 5–2

{{bronze3}} Copenhagen Cup (91 kg), Copenhagen, Denmark, November 1993:

• 1/4: Defeated Ismael Kone (Sweden) 5–1
• 1/2: Lost to Don Diego Poeder (Netherlands) RSCI 1

{{silver2}} Junior World Championships (91 kg), Istanbul, Turkey, September 1994:

• 1/8: Defeated Constantin Onofrei (Romania) 14–5
• 1/4: Defeated Rustam Tursenkhanov (Kazakhstan) 11–9
• 1/2: Defeated Andrey Kombarov (Russia) 8–4
• Finals: Lost to Michel López Núñez (Cuba) 2–7

{{silver2}} World Military Championships (91 kg), Tunis, Tunisia, November 1994:

• 1/2: Defeated Mustafa Amir Amrou (Egypt) PTS
• Finals: Lost to René Monse (Germany) by walkover

{{bronze3}} Chemistry Cup (91 kg), Halle, Germany, March 1995:

• 1/4: Defeated Wojciech Bartnik (Poland) 9–6
• 1/2: Lost to Peer Müller (Germany) by walkover

World Championships (91 kg), Berlin, Germany, May 1995:

• 1/16: Defeated Igor Kshinin (Russia) RSCI 2
• 1/8: Defeated Jan Bezvoda (Czech) 2–0
• 1/4: Lost to Luan Krasniqi (Germany) 2–6

{{col-2}}

{{gold1}} Multi-Nations Tournament (+91 kg), Liverpool, England, June 1995:

• 1/4: Defeated Jean-François Bergeron (Canada) 10–2
• 1/2: Defeated Rod Allen (England) 9–0
• Finals: Defeated Paolo Vidoz (Italy) DQ 2

{{gold1}} World Military Games (91 kg), Ariccia, Italy, September 1995:

• 1/8: Defeated Song-Geoi Jang (North Korea) 14–2
• 1/4: Defeated Igor Kshinin (Russia) RSC 2
• 1/2: Defeated Sinan Şamil Sam (Turkey) 12–2
• Finals: Defeated Luan Krasniqi (Germany) 13–12

{{gold1}} Strandzha Cup (+91 kg), Sofia, Bulgaria, February 1996:

• 1/4: Defeated Svilen Rusinov (Bulgaria) 5–4
• 1/2: Defeated Jean-François Bergeron (Canada) RSC 1
• Finals: Defeated Paolo Vidoz (Italy) 7–2

{{silver2}} European Championships (+91 kg), Vejle, Denmark, March 1996:

• 1/8: Defeated Sean Murphy (Ireland) DQ 2
• 1/4: Defeated Adalat Mamedov (Azerbaijan) RSC 3
• 1/2: Defeated Attila Levin (Sweden) 7–0
• Finals: Lost to Alexei Lezin (Russia) 1–6

{{gold1}} Olympic Games (+91 kg), Atlanta, Georgia, June 1996:

• 1/8: Defeated Lawrence Clay-Bey (United States) 10–8
• 1/4: Defeated Attila Levin (Sweden) RSC 1
• 1/2: Defeated Alexei Lezin (Russia) 4–1
• Finals: Defeated Paea Wolfgramm (Tonga) 7–3

{{col-end}}

{{quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="Wladimir hits very hard, harder than (Mike) Tyson. At one point, they ran twelve 800-meter [roughly a half mile] sprints, each under 3 minutes, with a minute rest between each one. I timed every one and every one was under 3 minutes. I never saw a heavyweight do anything even close to that. They work their asses off. To be able to do that, two 250-pound guys – whew. They're two of the best athletes I've ever trained."|source=—Freddie Roach, who trained both the Klitschko brothers and Mike Tyson, on the athleticism of the brothers.Rosenthal, Michael (19 March 2009). [https://www.ringtv.com/120645-what-are-we-to-make-of-the-klitschkos-2/ "What are we to make of the Klitschkos?"]. The Ring. Retrieved 10 May 2017.}}

Klitschko turned professional with Universum Box-Promotion in Hamburg under the tutelage of Fritz Sdunek, often being featured on fight cards alongside his elder brother Vitali. After building an undefeated record of 24–0 with 21 KOs, he suffered his first loss to 24–13–1 Ross Puritty, in what was Klitschko's first and only professional fight in Ukraine. Puritty forced Klitschko, who had at that time not gone beyond eight rounds, to punch himself out. Klitschko began to be overwhelmed in the tenth round and went down twice but was allowed to continue. At the start of the eleventh round, with Puritty continuing to land hard punches, Klitschko's trainer, Fritz Sdunek, entered the ring and stopped the fight.{{Cite web |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs. Ross Puritty - BoxRec |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Wladimir_Klitschko_vs._Ross_Puritty|access-date=5 June 2020 |website=boxrec.com}} Three years later, Klitschko's brother Vitali stopped Puritty in the eleventh round himself. On 18 March 2000, Klitschko fought Paea Wolfgramm, whom he fought previously in the 1996 super-heavyweight Olympic finals. In their professional rematch, Klitschko knocked Wolfgramm out in the first round.

{{Main|Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko}}

Wladimir Klitschko got his chance to fight for the world heavyweight championship on 14 October 2000 against WBO champion Chris Byrd. Byrd, considered one of the most avoided fighters in the heavyweight division at the time,{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingmonthly.com/stories/long-read-invisible-while-standing-still-chris-byrd-interview/ |title=Long read: Invisible while standing still: Chris Byrd interview |date=9 February 2018 |website=boxingmonthly.com |access-date=13 March 2020 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320000817/https://www.boxingmonthly.com/stories/long-read-invisible-while-standing-still-chris-byrd-interview/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/what-i-like-about-chris-byrd--648 |title=What I Like About Chris Byrd |date=7 February 2005 |website=boxingscene.com|access-date=13 March 2020}} won the title six months earlier on 1 April from Wladimir's brother Vitali (who had a perfect record of 27 fights, 27 wins, 27 KOs coming into the fight),{{Cite web |url=http://boxrec.com/en/event/16642/23661 |title=Bout: Chris Byrd v Vitali Klitschko |website=BoxRec|access-date=13 March 2020}} being a late replacement for Donovan Ruddock. In that fight, Byrd was trailing on the scorecards (83–88, 83–88, & 82–89) but was declared the winner after Vitali retired on his stool between 9th and 10th rounds due to shoulder injury. Byrd's title defence against Wladimir was scheduled to take place at Kölnarena in Cologne and was billed as "Revenge Of The Brother". In a fight that was aired on pay-per-view in the United Kingdom,{{Cite web |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xuuey0_2000-10-14-wladimir-klitschko-vs-chris-byrd-i_sport |title=2000-10-14 Wladimir Klitschko vs Chris Byrd I|date=5 November 2012|access-date=1 November 2020}} Wladimir won the WBO world heavyweight title from Byrd by a wide unanimous decision (UD) with scores of 120–106, 119–107, and 118–108, flooring his opponent twice.{{Cite web |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xuuey0_2000-10-14-wladimir-klitschko-vs-chris-byrd-i_sport |title=2000-10-14 Wladimir Klitschko vs Chris Byrd I - Video Dailymotion |date=5 November 2012 |website=Dailymotion|access-date=30 October 2016}}

Klitschko's first defence of the WBO title came on 24 March 2001 against Derrick Jefferson. Jefferson, regarded as a big and athletic brawler and a fan-friendly attraction,{{Cite web |url=https://www.thetitlefight.com/forgotten-classics-derrick-jefferson-vs-maurice-harris/ |title=Forgotten Classics: Derrick Jefferson vs Maurice Harris |website=boxrec.com |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029200609/https://www.thetitlefight.com/forgotten-classics-derrick-jefferson-vs-maurice-harris/ |url-status=dead }} was coming into the bout with a record of 23 wins in 26 bouts, with 19 of those wins coming inside the distance (18 of them inside the first three rounds, 11 of them - in the first round).[https://boxrec.com/en/event/50933/80416 Wladimir Klitschko v Derrick Jefferson]{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/007884 |title=Professional boxing record: Derrick Jefferson|access-date=11 March 2020}} Jefferson was mostly known for the sixth-round knockout (KO) of Maurice Harris, which was named The Ring Knockout of the Year in 1999. He was 4–2 in the last six fights, losing by technical knockout (TKO) to David Izon, in a fight he was winning on the scorecards but punched himself out,[https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/David_Izon_vs._Derrick_Jefferson David Izon vs. Derrick Jefferson: David Izon 232 lbs beat Derrick Jefferson 243 lbs by TKO at 0:11 in round 9 of 10] and Oleg Maskaev in round four after breaking an ankle during the first knockdown in the first round.[https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Oleg_Maskaev_vs._Derrick_Jefferson Oleg Maskaev vs. Derrick Jefferson]

For the bout, Jefferson weighed in at 260.25 lbs, the heaviest in his professional career and 20 pounds heavier than in his previous bout. The additional weight appeared to be muscle.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNC8_KINyRg | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/GNC8_KINyRg| archive-date=29 October 2021|title=Wladimir Klitschko vs Derrick Jefferson - HBO World Championship Boxing March 24 2001| via=YouTube|access-date=11 March 2020}}{{cbignore}} The fight lasted only two rounds. In the first round, Klitschko knocked Jefferson down with a short left hook. After the first round Jefferson's left eye was swollen.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/klitschkovsjefferson.html |title=Vladimir Klitschko vs Derrick Jefferson: Klitschko annihilates Jefferson |website=boxing247.com|access-date=30 October 2016}} Klitschko knocked him down twice more in round two, once with a straight right hand and again with another left hook, with the fight being stopped after the last knockdown, declaring Klitschko the winner by TKO in the second round. Klitschko earned $1 million for the fight.

Klitschko's next title defence was scheduled less than five months later on 4 August 2001. The fight took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Paradise, Nevada against hometown fighter, Charles Shufford. At the time, Shufford had a 17–1 record, coming off of wins against Jimmy Thunder and Lamon Brewster.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/88637/150269 |title=Wladimir Klitschko v Charles Shufford|access-date=11 March 2020}} Shufford weighed in at 234 lbs., 17 pounds lighter than in his previous bout.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/9083 |title=Professional boxing record: Charles Shufford|access-date=11 March 2020}} Shufford, having played George Foreman opposite Will Smith in the movie Ali, entered the ring with Smith by his side.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/will-smith-in-the-ring-cheering-on-charles-shufford-the-news-photo/539627416 |title=Photo: Will Smith in the ring cheering on Charles Shufford. The German boxer Wladimir Klitschko won the fight against Shufford. (Photo by Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images)|date=11 June 2016 |access-date=11 March 2020}} Klitschko knocked Shufford down three times, once in round two, once in round three (both times with a straight right hand) and in round six with a left hook, with referee stopping the bout after the third knockdown. According to punch stats, Klitschko landed 58 of 262 punches (22%) and Shufford connected on 16 of 190 (8%).{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Wladimir_Klitschko_vs._Charles_Shufford |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs. Charles Shufford|access-date=11 March 2020}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Jameel McCline}}

Klitschko returned to Germany for the next defence of his WBO title against Francois Botha. The fight took place at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, the same venue where Botha had fought Axel Schulz for the IBF title six years earlier, in the most watched boxing match in German TV history.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ringtv.com/121311-german-boxing-scene-strong-for-now/ |title=GERMAN BOXING SCENE STRONG — FOR NOW |website=ringtv.com |date=17 June 2009|access-date=12 March 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.sport.de/news/ne2996549/damals-der-skandalfight-schulz-gegen-botha/ |title=Damals: Der Skandalfight Schulz gegen Botha |website=sport.de|access-date=12 March 2020}} According to Botha's coach Abel Sanchez, Botha was in the best shape of his career.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/WladimirKlitschkovsFransBotha.html |title=WBO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO SCORES IMPRESSIVE EIGHTH-ROUND TKO OVER FRANS BOTHA |website=boxing247.com|access-date=12 March 2020}} The South African contender was game in the opening rounds, trying to catch Klitschko with the right hook, but Klitschko was successfully keeping him at the end of his jab. In the eighth round, Klitschko caught him with a counter right hand and then hit Botha with several shots, knocking him down with a left hook. Botha got up, but was unsteady on his feet and had both eyes swollen, proceeding the referee to stop the bout.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN8HLJbYIL0 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/hN8HLJbYIL0| archive-date=29 October 2021|title=Wladimir Klitschko Vs Francois Botha 16 03 2002| date=9 October 2013| via=YouTube|access-date=11 March 2020}}{{cbignore}}

Klitschko had his next title defence scheduled three months later, on 29 June 2002 at Etess Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey, against former WBO heavyweight champion Ray Mercer. It was the first time in his professional career that Klitschko fought an Olympic Gold medalist. 41-year-old Mercer, having fought Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield throughout his career, was expected to be a tough challenge for Klitschko that would give him and Lennox Lewis, the WBC and The Ring champion, a second common opponent (along with Francois Botha) and a bout comparable to Lewis vs. Tyson.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/news/VladimirKlitschkovsRayMercer.php |title=WLAD IS BAD!!!!!! KLITSCHKO DESTROYS RAY MERCER|access-date=11 March 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68-ZgS4LYx8 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/68-ZgS4LYx8| archive-date=29 October 2021|title=Geoffrey Ciani: Wladimir Klitschko has a chance to redefine his legacy| date=15 May 2016| via=YouTube|access-date=11 March 2020}}{{cbignore}} During the build-up to the bout, Mercer referred to Klitschko as "Russian Tommy Morrison". Since his comeback in 2001, Mercer had won four fights over journeymen, three of them inside two rounds, prior to the Klitschko bout.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/211122/334143 |title=Wladimir Klitschko v Ray Mercer|access-date=11 March 2020}}

Klitschko dominated Mercer throughout the entire bout, stopping Mercer in the sixth round. At 2:48 of the first round, Klitschko dropped Mercer with a left hook, becoming only the second man to drop Mercer. Throughout the fight, Klitschko was frequently landing combinations of stiff left jabs, left hooks, and straight right hands. By the fifth round, Mercer's face was swollen and his right eye was cut. In the sixth, Klitschko unleashed a barrage of punches, prompting the referee to stop the bout. Klitschko became the first fighter to defeat Mercer inside the distance. According to CompuBox statistics, Klitschko landed 193 total punches out of 429 thrown (104 power punches out of 167), while Mercer landed 54 shots out of 124 (only 5 power punches landed out of 10 thrown).

Klitschko returned to Mandalay Bay Event Center for his sixth defence on 7 December 2002 against Jameel McCline. McCline, having made his professional boxing debut in 1995, became an established contender after defeating Michael Grant, knocking him down with the first punch thrown and ultimately stopping him in 43 seconds.{{Cite news |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/boxing/news/jameel-mccline-details-overcoming-prison-bid-to-have-respectable-heavyweight-career/12kw5rlbrdjh411tute6tndd26 |title=Jameel McCline details overcoming prison bid to have respectable heavyweight career |newspaper=sportingnews.com|access-date=12 March 2020}} Prior to fighting Klitschko, McCline had defeated two more heavyweight contenders, Lance Whitaker and Shannon Briggs, by wide unanimous decisions.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/8943 |title=Professional boxing record: Jameel McCline |website=boxrec.com|access-date=12 March 2020}} Being 6 ft 6 in tall with an 82 in reach, McCline was of similar height and longer reach than Klitschko,{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/254938/461276 |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs Jameel McCline |website=boxrec.com|access-date=12 March 2020}} while also being 22 lbs heavier. Many opinion polls gave Klitschko a 60–40 advantage over McCline.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/news/VladimirKlitschko-vs-JameelMcCline.php |title=Klitschko stops McCline in one-sided affair! |website=boxing247.com|access-date=12 March 2020}} The fight was the main event of the card that also featured Floyd Mayweather Jr. defending the WBC lightweight title against Jose Luis Castillo.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/254938 |title=Saturday 7, December 2002 |access-date=12 March 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Wladimir_Klitschko_vs._Jameel_McCline |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs. Jameel McCline|access-date=12 March 2020}}

The fight turned out to be tentative, with Klitschko winning almost every round using his jab and superior footwork. At the end of the tenth round, Klitschko staggered McCline with a barrage of left hooks and overhand rights, and ultimately knocked him down with a left-right combination. Before the start of the eleventh round, McCline's corner threw in the towel, giving Klitschko his 36th career win by stoppage. At the time of the stoppage, the scorecards were 98–91, 99–90 (twice), all in favour of the champion. CompuBox stats showed that Klitschko landed 181 of his 433 punches thrown (42%), and McCline landed 61 of 307 (20%).

The following week after Klitschko's win over McCline, Chris Byrd, whom Klitschko defeated for the WBO world title, beat Evander Holyfield to become IBF world champion.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/news/Byrd-vs-Holyfield-Result.php |title=Sharkie's Machine: "The End Of A Legendary Career"|access-date=12 March 2020}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Corrie Sanders}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster}}

File:Wladimir Klitschko.jpg

After failing to reach agreements with Kirk Johnson, Fres Oquendo, Lou Savarese and Danny Williams, Universum ultimately signed a 4-fight contract with Corrie Sanders, who was ranked No.9 contender by WBO at the time. According to the agreement, Sanders' first fight was going to be for the WBO world heavyweight title. The fight was scheduled to take place on 8 March 2003 in Hanover, Germany. Klitschko later admitted that he came to the fight unmotivated and was already thinking about the vacation he was going to enjoy after the fight.{{Cite web |url=https://ua.tribuna.com/tribuna/blogs/royalboxing/2766740.html |title=Он уничтожил Владимира Кличко за три с половиной минуты. После карьеры хотел стать тренером, но умер от пули |date=12 April 2020 |language=ru|access-date=29 April 2021}} Klitschko suffered an upset TKO loss to Sanders. With thirty seconds left in the opening round, Wladimir threw a jab but Sanders countered with a big left hook, prompting Klitschko to enter a clinch. While in the clinch, Sanders landed another left hook that send Klitschko to the canvas. Klitschko got up but was dropped again almost immediately. The following round, Sanders continued his assault on a visibly hurt Klitschko, dropping him twice more at the beginning of the round. The referee waived it off after the fourth knockdown. The fight was named Upset of the Year by The Ring for 2003.{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/8430525/nobody-beat-way-corrie-sanders-did-says-wladimir-klitschko |title=W. Klitschko: Loss to Sanders made me tougher |publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 October 2016}}

{{POV section|talk=Theory that Klitschko was drugged in Brewster match|date=March 2020}}

After winning two minor bouts in Germany and enlisting the services of legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, Klitschko again fought for the vacant WBO title on 10 April 2004, in Las Vegas, against Lamon Brewster. Klitschko dominated Brewster through the course of the first four rounds, sending him to the canvas in the fourth; however, things turned around in the fifth when Klitschko began tiring and Brewster's punches began backing him up. Not defending himself and leaning into ropes for support, Klitschko took a standing eight count. On unsteady legs, Klitschko fell to the canvas after the bell and the referee stopped the fight for his safety.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/on-this-day-lamon-brewster-bludgeons-wladimir-klitschko-to-defeat/ |title=On This Day: Lamon Brewster bludgeons Vladimir Klitschko to defeat - Boxing News |date=10 April 2015 |newspaper=Boxing News |language=en-US|access-date=30 October 2016}} When talking about the fight, Emmanuel Steward said: "Wladimir was in incredible shape. I've never seen anything like this in my career. I know what it looks like when a boxer is getting hurt from punches. There was definitely something else that caused problems for Wladimir".{{Cite web |url=https://www.ua-football.com/sport/box/1586861156-klichko-bryuster-perelomnyy-moment-karery-ukrainca.html |title=Кличко – Брюстер: переломный момент карьеры украинца |website=ua-football.com |date=12 April 2021|access-date=11 June 2021 |language=ru}}

Shortly after the fight Klitschko was rushed into hospital. An examination showed Klitschko's blood sugar level almost two times higher than the permissible norm. According to members of Klitschko's team, the doctor told them that Klitschko had been "inches away" from falling into a diabetic coma, and that with blood sugar level that high, Klitschko would've been incapable of handling a single proper training session.{{Cite news |url=https://ua.tribuna.com/tribuna/blogs/editors/864906.html |title=3 предыдущие поражения Владимира Кличко|access-date=2 May 2020}} After returning from the examination to the hotel, he fell ill with nausea, followed by physical weakness.The Ring magazine, June 2004. "Poisonous KO?" Author: D. Lederman On 12 April, he arrived in Las Vegas and donated blood and urine samples for an independent examination, which was supposed to be done by Donald Katlin, who specialised in such cases. The examination showed no signs of anabolic steroids in his blood, but Katlin suggested that Klitschko could have been poisoned with Haloperidol. The drug has no taste or smell and causes mental disorders, which are accompanied by impaired coordination, a weakening reaction and overall physical weakness.{{cite web |title=Haloperidol |url=https://www.drugs.com/monograph/haloperidol.html |publisher=The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists |access-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102120426/http://www.drugs.com/monograph/haloperidol.html |archive-date=2 January 2015}}{{Failed verification|date=March 2020|reason=The only reaction this supports is impaired coordination.}}Product Information [Internet]. 2011 [cited 2013 Sep 29]. Available from: {{cite web |url=https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2011-PI-03532-3 |title=TGA eBS - Product and Consumer Medicine Information Licence |access-date=29 May 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314204106/https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2011-PI-03532-3 |archive-date=14 March 2017}} Following the results, Klitschko demanded the tests taken by the Medical Center of South Nevada and the Nevada Quest Diagnostics to be passed on to Dr. Robert Wow for further research, but the A sample had already been disposed of, while the B sample, which was supposed to be stored for years, disappeared.{{cite news |title=Klitschko is taking the mickey with sugary alibi |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=21 March 2013 |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/klitschko-is-taking-the-mickey-with-sugary-alibi-1.1140300 |ref={{sfnref | The Irish Times | 2013}} |access-date=4 March 2020}} Dr Margaret Goodman, the chairwoman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission's medical advisory board and Nevada's chief ringside physician was in the ring and attending to Klitschko seconds after the referee stopped the fight. Her initial diagnosis of a Grade 3 concussion was confirmed at the hospital after further tests. Goodman was sceptical of the theory that Klitschko had been drugged.

As a result of the circumstances that surrounded the fight, FBI started an investigation. Judd Bernstein, the lawyer representing Klitschko, suggested that he was a victim of an ongoing fight fixing in Las Vegas (which also included fraudulent medical reports), which was investigated by FBI at the time.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/may/07/boxing.johnrawling |title=Feds alerted to the case of the horizontal heavyweight |newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=11 March 2020}} Bernstein, along with some other journalists, pointed out that in the last 48 hours before the beginning of the fight, the betting odds in favour of Klitschko rapidly dropped from 11-to-1 to 3,5-to-1.{{Cite web |url=https://sportrbc.ru/news/5754c68b9a794743bb224dde?ruid=NaN |title=Адвокат Барштейн огласил скандальные подробности боя Владимира Кличко с Брюстером |date=8 May 2004 |website=sportrbc.ru |language=ru|access-date=27 April 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYp9_oYLRno | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/MYp9_oYLRno| archive-date=29 October 2021|title=#Cмотри Владимир Кличко - Лэймон Брюстер | date=9 April 2019| via=YouTube|language=ru|access-date=27 April 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web |url=http://akboxing.ru/2014/04/01/70310.html |title=Как отравили Кличко |language=ru|access-date=27 April 2020}} According to journalist Keith Teixeira, a group of approximately 40 people associated with Brewster's manager Sam Simon bet from $50,000 to $100,000 on Brewster's victory.{{Cite web |url=https://sportarena.com/boxing/v-menya-ne-veril-dazhe-brat-ili-perelomnyj-boj-v/ |title="В меня не верил даже брат", или Переломный бой в карьере Кличко |date=10 April 2020 |language=ru|access-date=23 May 2020}} Members of Klitschko's team also pointed out that shortly before the fight, a security camera recorded a moment when two people entered Klitschko's booth and were there for four minutes. These people had badges, but weren't members of Wladimir's team.{{Cite web |url=https://fakty.ua/66157-u-komandy-klichko-est-kosvennye-dokazatelstva-chto-pered-boem-za-titul-chempiona-mira-vladimira-otravili |title=У команды кличко есть косвенные доказательства, что перед боем за титул чемпиона мира владимира отравили |language=ru|access-date=27 April 2020}} Wladimir's brother Vitali claimed that during registration of the boxer and his team, the card that belonged to Emmanuel Steward's assistant had already been registered on someone else, and that such card would allow its owner to enter any sporting hall in the building.{{cite web |url=https://fraza.ua/news/37696-vladimira-klichko-otravili |title=Владимира Кличко отравили |language=ru |access-date=27 April 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |url=http://obkom.net.ua/news/2007-05-24/0845.shtml |title=Виталий Кличко раскрыл подробности отравления брата Владимира в бою с Брюстером |language=ru|access-date=27 April 2020}}

After the fight, Wladimir's cutman Joe Souza was fired. During the fight, Souza used vaseline on Wladimir's face but also body, which had never been done in any of Klitschko's previous fights. As a replacement, the team hired Jacob "Stitch" Duran.{{cite news |url=https://www.kp.ru/daily/23280/28989/ |title="Дело об отравлении" Кличко расследует ФБР |newspaper=Kp.ru - |date=20 May 2004 |language=ru|access-date=27 April 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.2000.ua/v-nomere/aspekty/sport-revyu_aspekty/vladimira-klichko-otravili_arhiv_art.htm |title=Владимира Кличко отравили? |language=ru|access-date=27 April 2020}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter}}

Following his loss to Brewster, Klitschko began his journey back towards the top of the heavyweight division. First, he faced hard-hitting DaVarryl Williamson.{{cite web |last=Андрей Соколов |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs DaVarryl Williamson |website=YouTube |date=26 October 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww5ZgMXsBus| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626212806/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww5ZgMXsBus| archive-date=26 June 2019|access-date=30 April 2017}} The fight took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.{{cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/15784 |title=BoxRec: Davarryl Williamson |website=BoxRec|access-date=13 March 2020}} Williamson dropped Klitschko forty seconds into the second round, but was outboxed throughout the rest of the bout. An accidental head butt in the closing seconds of the fifth round caused Klitschko bleeding from a cut above his right eye. Due to the cut, the fight was prematurely stopped, with Klitschko being declared the winner by technical decision. Two of the judges scored the fight identically 49–46 in favour of Klitschko, while the third judge had Williamson winning 48–47.{{cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/410916/822227 |title=BoxRec: Bout: Wladimir Klitschko v DaVarryl Williamson |website=BoxRec|access-date=13 March 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Wladimir_Klitschko_vs._DaVarryl_Williamson |title=Klitschko wins split decision after head butt |website=BoxRec|access-date=13 March 2020}}

After defeating Eliseo Castillo by fourth-round TKO, Klitschko signed to fight Samuel Peter in an IBF and WBO eliminator. Coming into the bout, Klitschko was viewed by many as the underdog{{cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/129182 |title=Wladimir Klitschko VS Samuel Peter II |website=boxing247.com|date=25 July 2010 |access-date=23 March 2020}} against the 7-to-5 favourite Peter who had won all of his 24 fights, with 21 of them having ended inside the distance. At the time, Samuel Peter was considered one of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight division. Distinguished boxing coaches Angelo Dundee and Teddy Atlas expected Peter to win.{{YouTube|TXLz1G0Bagw|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter, 1st fight}}. «Bolshoi ring». (rus.){{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/454334/990950 |title=Bout: Wladimir Klitschko VS Samuel Peter I |website=boxrec.com|access-date=23 March 2020}} Wladimir's team, including his brother Vitali, were worried about Wladimir, and were against this fight to happen. Wladimir, however, insisted on fighting Peter, claiming that beating a feared, hard-hitting fighter like Samuel Peter would help him to regain his stock and become mandatory challenger for two heavyweight belts.{{cite web |url=http://klitschko-brothers.com/video/boi-s-uchastiem-bratev-klichko/vladimir-klichko/2003-2005-smutnye-vremena/48-vladimir-klichko-syemyuyel-piter-i-24-09-2005.html |title=48. Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter I. (24-09-2005) |date=3 November 2013 |website=klitschko-brothers.com |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104010330/http://klitschko-brothers.com/video/boi-s-uchastiem-bratev-klichko/vladimir-klichko/2003-2005-smutnye-vremena/48-vladimir-klichko-syemyuyel-piter-i-24-09-2005.html |archive-date=4 November 2018}}{{YouTube|eMJJ_8psbTQ|Documentary «Klitschko»}}

The first four rounds were tentative, with Klitschko working behind the jab, not allowing Peter to close the distance. At the end of the third, Peter staggered Klitschko with a powerful left hook. He hurt Klitschko again in the fifth with another left hook, sending Klitschko to the canvas with the rabbit punch. The referee counted it as the knockdown. Peter immediately went for the attack after Klitschko got up, dropping him again with the rabbit punch. The referee scored it as the second knockdown.Alexander Belienkiy: Golden Klitschko brother, p. 188–190 (rus.). Klitschko regained composure and outboxed Peter through sixth to ninth rounds, with Peter frequently trying to hit Klitschko with the rabbit punch whenever escaping from a clinch.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0u4y6QjZ9Q | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/r0u4y6QjZ9Q| archive-date=29 October 2021|title=Wladimir Klitschko Vs Samuel Peter 24 09 2005 | date=9 October 2013|via=YouTube|access-date=23 March 2020}}{{cbignore}} Near the end of the tenth round Peter staggered Wladimir with a hard right hand, eventually sending Klitschko to the canvas with another right when Wladimir was backing away. In the 11th and 12th rounds, Klitschko was trying to keep Peter at the distance using straight punches. Peter caught him with a left hook in the last round, but was unable to capitalise on it. Instead, Klitschko caught him with a hard counter left hook of his own, staggering Peter for the first time in the fight. Eventually the bout went the distance, with Klitschko winning the fight by clear unanimous decision (UD). All the judges scored the bout identically 114–111.{{Cite news |url=http://www.secondsout.com/columns/thomas-hauser/wladimir-klitschko-vs-samuel-peter |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter |newspaper=SecondsOut Boxing News|access-date=31 October 2016}}

{{Main|Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko II}}

On 22 April 2006, in Mannheim, Germany, Klitschko faced Chris Byrd for a second time, this time for the IBF heavyweight title. At the time of the bout, Byrd was ranked as the best heavyweight by The Ring, while Klitschko was ranked eighth.{{cite web |url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/The_Ring_Magazine's_Annual_Ratings:_2005 |title=The Ring Magazine's Annual Ratings: 2005 - BoxRec |website=boxrec.com}} Coming into the fight, Klitschko was viewed as the favourite. Many observers expected Klitschko to dominate Byrd similarly to their first bout.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jeyLAgAAQBAJ&q=wladimir+klitschko+vs+chris+byrd+2+prediction&pg=PA73 |title=Power Punches: Boxing's Best Of 2006 |date=26 November 2009 |publisher=J. E. Grant |isbn=9780557002351|access-date=24 March 2020}}

{{Blockquote|April 22nd, 2006 may be one of the most momentous dates in the history of boxing. On that day, Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine will most likely easily defeat Chris Byrd of the United States for Byrd's IBF heavyweight title. If that result occurs, it may mark the dawning of a new era in boxing. Three of the four major titlists will be from Eastern Europe. Like the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina that swept away much of New Orleans, a rising tidal wave of Eastern European fighters threatens to sweep away American supremacy in the heavyweight division, putting an end to an era that began with the reign of John L. Sullivan — 124 years ago.}}

Klitschko defeated Byrd by TKO in the seventh round, becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion in the process. Klitschko dominated the fight using his jab and superior reach, knocking Byrd down twice, once in round five and once in round seven. Byrd beat the count after the second knockdown, but his face was battered and bloody, and the fight was waved off.{{Cite news |url=http://www.secondsout.com/world-boxing-news/world-boxing-news/part-ii-the-klitschko-brothers-path-to-the-undisputed-championship |title=Part II: The Klitschko Brothers' Path to The Undisputed Championship |newspaper=SecondsOut Boxing News|access-date=31 October 2016}} At the time of the stoppage, judge Roy Francis had the challenger winning every round, while two other judges, Steve Epstein and Robert Hoyle, gave Klitschko all but one round.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/487670/1063319 |title=Bout: Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko |website=boxrec.com|access-date=24 March 2020}}

In his first title defence, Klitschko agreed to face then-undefeated heavyweight contender Calvin Brock. With a record of 29–0, 22 KOs, Brock was considered one of the most promising and demanded American heavyweight prospects at the time. In an ESPN interview in July 2005, Mike Tyson named him and Samuel Peter as his favourite fighters from the new crop of heavyweights.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/calvin-brock-speaks-on-klitschko-liakhovich--5369|title=Calvin Brock Speaks on Klitschko, Liakhovich|date=September 2006 |access-date=24 November 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=2532664|title=Notebook: Brock in demand by promoters|date=28 July 2006|access-date=24 November 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=2082909|title=Reviewing his career, Tyson tackles 20 topics|publisher=ESPN|date=11 June 2005|access-date=23 October 2021}} In the build-up, Brock expressed confidence in his abilities: "I can adopt to every style. He's big like Jameel McCline, but a better fighter. I will beat him and become the heavyweight champion of the world. Klitschko has a good jab, but they also said Timur's best weapon was his jab. I have a good jab myself. I can adapt to anybody's style, anybody's strength and turn their weapon against them." He also dismissed claims that the division lacks strong competition: "The heavyweight division is stacked with a bunch of talent. It's not weak, definitely not weak. The division is pretty strong and that's why the title keeps changing hands."{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/boxing/us-news/2005/wlad-faces-brock-challenge_sto1005268/story.shtml|title=WLAD FACES BROCK CHALLENGE|date=10 November 2006|access-date=24 November 2021}}

The fight took place on 11 November 2006 at Madison Square Garden.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/499326/1105384 |title=Bout: Wladimir Klitschko vs Calvin Brock |website=boxrec.com|access-date=24 March 2020}} In the opening rounds, Brock's economical but effective movement made Klitschko reluctant to throw punches, with Wladimir not being able to fully establish his rhythm.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2658291 |title=Klitschko drops Brock in the seventh to defend title |date=11 November 2006|access-date=5 April 2020}} In between the third and fourth rounds, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward urged Wladimir to press the action. Klitschko started fighting more aggressively, hurting Brock several times with the right cross. In the fifth round, Brock opened a cut under Klitschko's left eye that started bleeding heavily in the sixth. In the seventh round, Wladimir caught Brock with a counter right hand before sending him to the canvas with another straight right.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piP8m9C01MU | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/piP8m9C01MU| archive-date=29 October 2021|title=Wladimir Klitschko vs. Calvin Brock – Full Fight & Knockout| date=July 2014| via=YouTube|access-date=5 April 2020}}{{cbignore}} Brock was able to get up but was unsteady on his feet, prompting the referee to stop the bout.

Klitschko then faced mandatory challenger Ray Austin on 10 March 2007, at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany. 36-year-old Austin was mostly known for draws against Sultan Ibragimov, Larry Donald and Lance Whitaker. In preparation for the fight, Austin was trained by a prominent coach Stacey McKinley.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com.co/noticias/nota?s=box&id=536797&type=story|title=El próximo ungido|publisher=ESPN|date=9 March 2007|access-date=12 November 2021}} Klitschko won by a second-round KO with four consecutive left hooks to Austin's head. Klitschko did not throw a single right hand in that fight.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/news/Klitschko-Austin.php |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs Ray Austin: Boxing Results |website=boxing247.com|access-date=31 October 2016}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster II|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Sultan Ibragimov}}

Klitschko then avenged one of his previous losses as he defeated Lamon Brewster on 7 July 2007, in Cologne, Germany. Brewster's corner asked the referee to stop the fight at the end of the sixth round. It was later revealed that Klitschko fought most of the fight with a broken middle finger on his left hand.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/news/Klitschko-Brewster.php |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs Lamon Brewster 2: Boxing Results |website=boxing247.com|access-date=31 October 2016}}

By the end of October 2007, Wladimir Klitschko started negotiations with then-WBO world heavyweight champion Sultan Ibragimov about the unification showdown in the near future. This would be the first heavyweight unification fight since 13 November 1999 when WBC champion Lennox Lewis defeated then-WBA and IBF champion Evander Holyfield.{{cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3610300.html |title=Начались переговоры об объединительном бое между Ибрагимовым и Кличко |website=sports.ru |date=30 October 2007|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717233319/https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3610300.html|archive-date=17 July 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3611890.html |title=Бой между Султаном Ибрагимовым и Владимиром Кличко может состояться в феврале |website=sports.ru |date=30 October 2007|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717233311/https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3611890.html|archive-date=17 July 2019}} On 20 November, Klitschko and Ibragimov officially signed the contract for their unification clash to take place on 23 February 2008 at Madison Square Garden.{{cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3712420.html |title=Владимир Кличко и Султан Ибрагимов подписали контракт на проведение объединительного боя |website=sports.ru |date=20 November 2007|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717233301/https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3712420.html|archive-date=17 July 2019}} Two days later in Moscow, a first pre-fight press-conference was held.{{cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3739964.html |title=В Москве прошла пресс-конференция Султана Ибрагимова и Владимира Кличко |website=sports.ru |date=25 November 2007|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717233305/https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3739964.html|archive-date=17 July 2019}} Klitschko began his preparations for the fight on 18 December. His training camp was located between Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Palm Beach, Florida.{{cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3849364.html |title=Владимир Кличко начал подготовку к бою против Ибрагимова |website=sports.ru/ |date=18 December 2007|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717233309/https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3849364.html|archive-date=17 July 2019}} Ibragimov began his preparations for the bout on 25 December. Among Ibragimov's sparring partners were Klitschko's former opponent Jameel McCline and Swedish heavyweight prospect Attila Levin.{{cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3881646.html |title=Ибрагимов вылетел из Москвы в США |website=sports.ru |date=25 December 2007|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717233303/https://www.sports.ru/boxing/3881646.html|archive-date=17 July 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.segodnya.ua/sport/boxing/bukmekery-znajut-vce-o-boe-klichko-ibrahimov-9939.html |title=Дорогие билеты на бой Кличко уже распроданы |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152454/https://www.segodnya.ua/sport/boxing/bukmekery-znajut-vce-o-boe-klichko-ibrahimov-9939.html |archive-date=2 March 2019}}

In the pre-fight prediction, a vast majority of Ukrainian, Russian and American observers expected Klitschko to win by either stoppage or unanimous decision. Out of six journalists of the Ukrainian magazine Ring, five predicted Klitschko to stop Ibragimov, with only one expecting Klitschko to win by decision. 24 of 26 members of boxingscene.com expected Klitschko to come out as the winner – 18 of them predicted the win to come by way of KO/TKO, one expert predicted decision, while the remaining five were unsure about either possibility. The remaining two experts predicted Ibragimov to win by decision. 10 of the 12 members of ringsidereport.com picked Klitschko to win, with eight of them expecting the victory to come by way of KO/TKO. The remaining two picked Ibragimov to win by stoppage.Ring (Ukrainian magazine) No.3, 2008, p.5 In the build-up to the fight, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward said that Sultan Ibragimov was going to be Wladimir's toughest opponent to date, praising Ibragimov for his hand speed and mobility, while Klitschko complimented Ibragimov on his accomplishments: "Sultan Ibragimov is a boxer that hasn't lost in any of his 23 fights, with the sole draw being against Ray Austin. His amateur career can be described as fantastic, and the fact that he's the heavyweight champion of the world speaks volumes about his professional career as well. I think he's a strong and dangerous opponent that should not be underestimated. His last two fights against Shannon Briggs and Evander Holyfield proved that."Ring (Ukrainian magazine) No.2, 2008, p.2 Ibragimov's trainer Jeff Mayweather was confident that Ibragimov would be able to establish his rhythm and "press Klitschko to the corner".Ring (Ukrainian magazine) No.3, 2008, p.4 The pre-fight build-up was marked with controversy after Ibragimov's manager Boris Grinberg insulted Klitschko during one of the interviews: "Sultan Ibragimov knocks out this Ukraine gay, motherf***er!". Grinberg later apologised to Klitschko.{{cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/4177161.html |title=Гринберг извинился перед Владимиром Кличко |website=sports.ru |date=22 February 2008|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717233304/https://www.sports.ru/boxing/4177161.html|archive-date=17 July 2019}} The day before the bout, Klitschko weighed in at {{convert|238|lb|kg}}, the lightest since 1999,{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/7035 |title=Professional boxing record: Wladimir Klitschko |website=boxrec.com|access-date=9 June 2020}} while Ibragimov's weight was {{convert|219|lb|kg}}, his lightest since 2005.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/113634 |title=Professional boxing record: Sultan Ibragimov |website=boxrec.com|access-date=9 June 2020}}

From the opening bell, both fighters fought tentatively, avoiding risks. Klitschko retreated onto the outside, fighting at a distance and remaining unreachable for Ibragimov who tried to establish his right jab but had his right hand constantly pushed down by Klitschko. By the end of the opening round, Klitschko became more active with his jab, while Ibragimov unsuccessfully tried to catch Wladimir with a series of right and left hooks. By the third round, Klitschko took control of the center of the ring, keeping Ibragimov at the end of his left jab and occasionally throwing right jabs as well.Ring (Ukrainian magazine) No.3, 2008, p.6-7 In the fifth round, Klitschko caught Ibragimov with a straight right hand, however Ibragimov appeared to be unhurt. Most of Ibragimov's attempts to close distance ended with Klitschko tying him up. In the second half of the fight, the situation did not change, with Klitschko keeping Ibragimov at distance with straight shots, while Ibragimov was only able to occasionally catch Klitschko with single shots to the body. Ibragimov's corner was almost silent from the sixth round onwards, unable to give their man any meaningful advice.Ring (Ukrainian magazine) No.3, 2008, p.7 Klitschko's dominance became even more visible after he caught Ibragimov with a straight right in round nine, almost knocking him down. He caught Ibragimov again with a counter left hook at the end of the eleventh. The twelfth round saw Ibragimov unsuccessfully trying to catch Klitschko with overhand shots. Ultimately, the fight went the distance, with Klitschko being declared the winner by unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 119–110, 117–111 and 118–110.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsIM7Snu1Mg | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/DsIM7Snu1Mg| archive-date=29 October 2021|title=Владимир Кличко - Султан Ибрагимов 23-02-2008| date=3 March 2012| via=YouTube|access-date=9 June 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite book |author=Alexander Belenkyi |url=http://lib.alkar.net.ua/book/ru/_/_raznoe/_sport/belenikij-vlasteliny_ringa.boks_na_viezde_i_vyezde.fb2 |title=Властелины ринга. Бокс на въезде и выезде |year=2011 |publisher=Astrel|access-date=9 June 2020 |isbn=978-5-9725-1978-1}}{{Cite book |author=Alexander Belenkyi |url=http://lib.alkar.net.ua/book/ru/_/_raznoe/_sport/belenikij-vlasteliny_ringa.boks_na_viezde_i_vyezde.fb2#TOC_idm190412916 |title=Властелины ринга. Бокс на въезде и выезде |year=2011 |publisher=Astrel|access-date=9 June 2020 |isbn=978-5-9725-1978-1}} Klitschko reportedly earned $9 million for the fight. He donated $500,000 of his earnings to the Bronx's Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.[https://www.nj.com/ledgerboxing/2008/02/klitschko_donates_money_to_chi.html Klitschko donates money to children's foundation]

The fight was heavily criticised by observers and prominent boxing public figures.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3261735 |title=Klitschko routs Ibragimov, unifies IBF and WBO titles |date=24 February 2008|access-date=9 June 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/feb/24/boxing |title=Klitschko victorious but uninspired |website=The Guardian |date=24 February 2008|access-date=9 June 2020}} Boxing promoter Bob Arum called the fight "an absolute shame",{{cite web |author=Гуревич В. |url=https://www.sovsport.ru/boxing/articles/283579-etot-boj-pozor-dlja-boksa-znamenityj-promouter-bob-arum-raskritikoval-poedinok-vladimira-klichko-s-sultanom-ibragimovym |title="Этот бой – позор для бокса". Знаменитый промоутер Боб Арум раскритиковал поединок Владимира Кличко с Султаном Ибрагимовым |publisher=Советский спорт |date=25 February 2008|access-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719195753/https://www.sovsport.ru/boxing/articles/283579-etot-boj-pozor-dlja-boksa-znamenityj-promouter-bob-arum-raskritikoval-poedinok-vladimira-klichko-s-sultanom-ibragimovym|archive-date=19 July 2019}} while Dan Goossen described it as "awful".{{cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/4216270.html |title=Дэн Гуссен: "На Кличко с Ибрагимовым было жалко смотреть" |website=sports.ru |date=15 February 2008|access-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719205102/https://www.sports.ru/boxing/4216270.html|archive-date=19 July 2019}} Boxing journalist Phil Santos pointed out that Klitschko fought for the majority of the fight "only with his left hand", proving once again that he "is the best heavyweight in the world right now". Santos also noted that such cautious, safety-first style was not going to help Klitschko to increase his popularity in the United States.Ring (Ukrainian magazine) No.3, 2008, p.9 Some observers were more apologetic of Klitschko's performance: "It's really irritating that so many people, people that know very little about boxing, say that Klitschko's dominance means stagnation for the heavyweight division. There's no denying that once Klitschko collects all the belts, he will go down as one of the all-time greats. Yes, he fights cautiously and isn't willing to exchange shots, but who told us that greatness in boxing is measured with the number of knockdowns? Why the boxer that is able to not get hit with a hard shot over the course of twelve rounds is less great than the champions from the past that sacrificed their health for the sake of success?"{{Cite web |url=https://censor.net.ua/resonance/256/klichko__ibragimov_kak_skuchno_byt_korolem_analiz_boya_yuriyi_butusov |title=КЛИЧКО – ИБРАГИМОВ: КАК СКУЧНО БЫТЬ КОРОЛЕМ… АНАЛИЗ БОЯ |website=censor.net.ua|date=25 February 2008 |access-date=9 June 2020 |language=ru |last1=Нет |first1=Цензор }}

On 12 July 2008, Klitschko faced mandatory challenger Tony Thompson. The fight took place at Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany, the same venue where Thompson had defeated then-highly regarded German boxer Luan Krasniqi in a WBO world heavyweight title eliminator almost a year prior.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/113622 |title=Krasniqi Ready For Tony Thompson |website=boxing247.com|date=5 June 2007 |access-date=23 May 2020}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/sport/mehr-sport/boxen-krasniqi-verpruegelt-und-vorgefuehrt-1460786.html |title=Krasniqi verprügelt und vorgeführt |website=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung|access-date=23 May 2020 |language=de}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.spiegel.de/sport/sonst/krasniqi-niederlage-der-letzte-akt-des-seiltaenzers-a-494490.html |title=Der letzte Akt des Seiltänzers |newspaper=Der Spiegel|date=15 July 2007 |access-date=23 May 2020 |language=de|last1=Glindmeier |first1=Mike }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.stern.de/sport/sportwelt/krasniqi-fight-das-ende-vom-schmeling-traum-3262746.html |title=Das Ende vom Schmeling-Traum |website=Stern|date=15 July 2007 |access-date=23 May 2020 |language=de}}{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/21633 |title=Professional boxing record: Tony Thompson |website=boxrec.com|access-date=19 May 2020}} In the build-up to the fight, Klitschko praised Thompson for his defensive abilities, while Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward described Thompson as "one of the most difficult fights we will have".{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.ru/boxing//story_sto1608092.shtml |title=Кличко: "Томпсон хорошо защищается" |website=eurosport.ru|date=17 June 2008 |access-date=1 June 2020 |language=ru}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3484672 |title=Klitschko retains heavyweight titles with 11th-round KO of Thompson |publisher=ESPN|date=12 July 2008 |access-date=1 June 2020}} In the pre-fight interview, Thompson promised that he wouldn't run away from Klitschko, and would stand in front of him and fight toe-to-toe.{{Cite journal |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/912159 |title=Как Тони Томпсон пытался дважды победить Владимира Кличко |journal=Коммерсантъ|date=14 July 2008 |access-date=1 June 2020 |language=ru}} Being 6 ft 5 in tall with 81½ in reach, Thompson was of similar height and reach as Klitschko. Many observes predicted Thompson to be a tough challenge for Klitschko, expecting Klitschko to ultimately win by TKO in the second half of the fight before the fighters would enter the championship rounds.{{cite news |author=Лободин К. |title=Охота на голодного Тигра, p. 42-45 |publisher=Ring, Ukraine |issn=1810-7338 |ref=«Ринг», № 75}}{{cite news |author=Лободин К. |title=Ап! И тигры у ног моих сели..., p. 14-19 |publisher=Ring, Ukraine |issn=1810-7338 |ref=«Ринг», № 76}} Coming into the fight, Klitschko weighed in at 241 pounds, 6.5 lbs lighter than Thompson.

The opening rounds were tentative, with Klitschko seemingly struggling with Thompson's awkward southpaw style. All three judges gave the first round to Thompson.{{Cite web |url=https://m.sovsport.ru/boxing/articles/850735-kak-toni-tompson-pytalsja-dvazhdy-pobedit-vladimira-klichko |title=Как Тони Томпсон пытался дважды победить Владимира Кличко |website=sovsport.ru |access-date=1 June 2020 |language=ru |archive-date=3 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203100253/https://m.sovsport.ru/boxing/articles/850735-kak-toni-tompson-pytalsja-dvazhdy-pobedit-vladimira-klichko |url-status=dead }} In the second round, both fighters suffered a cut above the right eye after an accidental headbutt. Klitschko's eye began to swell after Thompson caught him with the right hook in the fifth round. After the sixth round, however, Klitschko appeared to have established his dominance in the ring, hurting Thompson with several straight right hands. After the seventh round, both fighters started showing signs of fatigue. In the tenth round, Thompson fell to the canvas during a clinch. It appeared as if Thompson fell down mostly due to being tired rather than being pushed by Klitschko. In the middle of the eleventh, Klitschko caught Thompson with the straight right hand which Thompson did not see coming, falling to the canvas again, with the referee starting the count this time. Thompson beat the count but was unsteady on his feet, prompting the referee to stop the fight. At the time of the stoppage, Klitschko was unanimously winning on the scorecards, with scores 98–92 (twice) and 99–91.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/551798/1297785 |title=Bout: Wladimir Klitschko vs Tony Thompson |website=boxrec.com|access-date=1 June 2020}}

In the post-fight interview, Klitschko admitted that the fight turned out to be tougher than expected: "It is not so easy to defend all the titles and it has been a while since I last had a black eye so today I really look like a boxer. I did not expect the victory to come that hard."{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/boxer-klitschko-retains-world-title-after-hamburg-bout/a-3480839 |title=Boxer Klitschko Retains World Title After Hamburg Bout |publisher=Deutsche Welle|access-date=1 June 2020}} "I was fatigued, I thought he was fatigued too," Tony Thompson said after the fight. "He did what a great champion did, he took advantage when I was vulnerable. The only thing that hurts on me is my heart – for losing." Emmanuel Steward described the knockout sequence as the one that showed the difference between a great heavyweight and the best heavyweight in the world: "They were both tired, but Wladimir has experience now, then he came back with a second wind. The experience is what helped Wladimir to come back with the second wind and find an opportunity to secure the stoppage win." Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis praised Klitschko for his performance: "I've been watching Klitschko for some time, and he's improving with every fight." Meanwhile, unified world cruiserweight champion David Haye criticised the champion for his performance: "If he fights me in the same way he fought that guy he will be knocked out in three rounds. He has got the perfect style for me. I don't want him to have any more fights before me as I don't want someone else to do what I will do against him." Klitschko reportedly earned €8 million ($12.4 million) for the bout.{{Cite web |url=https://fakty.ua/ru/29524-vladimir-klichko-u-menya-davno-ne-bylo-sinyakov-na-lice|title=Владимир кличко: «у меня давно не было синяков на лице»|website=fakty.ua|access-date=25 January 2025 |language=ru}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Ruslan Chagaev}}

File:Wladimir Klitschko (2008-12-13).jpg, 2008]]

Klitschko was scheduled to defend his titles against Alexander Povetkin later in 2008,[https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3591004 Klitschko's company wins purse bid for 13 December fight]. ESPN.go.com (16 September 2008). Retrieved 25 November 2011. but on 25 October, Povetkin withdrew from the fight due to an ankle injury. Instead, Klitschko faced Hasim Rahman on 13 December 2008 and won by TKO. This was the third time Klitschko fought at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany. He dominated the fight, winning every round while making good use of his left jab. Rahman seemed unable to withstand the Klitschko's punch power. In the sixth round, Klitschko knocked Rahman down with a series of left hooks, leaving Rahman visibly disoriented. Between the sixth and seventh rounds, the referee warned Rahman he's going to stop the fight if Rahman continues absorbing punishment without firing back.{{Citation |last=HBO |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs Hasim Rahman #720p |date=17 March 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mbHC9nnXWU| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/3mbHC9nnXWU| archive-date=29 October 2021|access-date=8 April 2020}}{{cbignore}} The referee ultimately called a stop to the contest in the 7th round after Rahman failed to respond to a series of shots.{{Citation |last=HBO |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs Hasim Rahman: Highlights (HBO Boxing) |date=7 January 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaIkfFY8cmE|access-date=26 April 2017}}{{Cite news |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/92162-my-thoughts-on-wladimir-klitschko-vs-hasim-rahman |title=My Thoughts On Wladimir Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman |last=Claudio |first=EJ |work=Bleacher Report|access-date=26 April 2017 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/3743789/Vladimir-Klitschko-KOs-Hasim-Rahman.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/3743789/Vladimir-Klitschko-KOs-Hasim-Rahman.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Vladimir Klitschko KO's Hasim Rahman |last=agencies |first=Telegraph staff and |work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=26 April 2017 |language=en}}{{cbignore}} At the time of the stoppage, Klitschko was leading on all three judges scorecards, respectively 60–53, 60–53, and 60–47.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/562002/1348175 |title=Bout: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman|access-date=8 April 2020}} According to CompuBox, Klitschko landed 194 punches (50.4% accuracy) to Rahman's 35 (16.8% accuracy), a nearly six-fold disparity.{{Cite web |url=http://beta.compuboxdata.com/fighter |title=Compubox Stats: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman|access-date=8 April 2020}}

Klitschko was scheduled to face David Haye on 20 June 2009, but Haye pulled out within weeks of the fight complaining of a back injury.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/03/david-haye-withdraws-wladimir-klitschko |title=David Haye stuns Wladimir Klitschko by pulling out of title fight|website=The Guardian|date=3 June 2009|access-date=6 April 2020}} Immediately after news about Haye's injury broke into public, a handful of heavyweight fighters, such as Alexander Povetkin, Chazz Witherspoon, James Toney, Odlanier Solis, Dominick Guinn and Eddie Chambers, expressed their interest in replacing Haye for the Klitschko showdown.The Ring № 6: The circus of heavyweight proportions. 2009 Instead, Klitschko's team started negotiations with Ruslan Chagaev, who was ranked third best heavyweight in the world by The Ring, and WBA world champion Nikolai Valuev, who was regarded as a big draw in Germany at the time. Ultimately, Klitschko reached agreements with Chagaev who agreed to step in for Haye as a last-minute replacement (Valuev's team wanted the fight to be postponed until autumn of that year).{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4235323 |title=Boente: Chagaev to replace hurt Haye|date=5 June 2009|access-date=6 April 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2009/0606/250108-klitschkow/ |title=Chagaev replaces Haye for Klitschko fight|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|date=6 June 2009|access-date=6 April 2020}} Some observers believed that Chagaev was a better challenge for Klitschko than Haye, given his position in the ranking and the fact that, alongside WBO and IBF world titles, vacant The Ring world heavyweight title was also on the line.{{Cite web |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2009/6/17/912105/why-klitschko-chagaev-is-the-most |title=Why Klitschko-Chagaev is the most important heavyweight fight in years, and why it won't be any good|date=17 June 2009|access-date=6 April 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingnews24.com/2009/06/chagaev-vs-klitschko-is-ruslan-a-tougher-opponent-than-haye/ |title=Chagaev Vs. Klitschko: Is Ruslan A Tougher Opponent Than Haye?|date=6 June 2009|access-date=6 April 2020}} In the pre-fight comparison, The Ring was giving Klitschko an advantage in power, speed and athletic ability, as well as experience, while also crediting Chagaev for having better defence, praising him for his fundamentals and footwork. In terms of technique, both fighters were described as of equal level.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ringtv.com/121317-head-to-head-klitschko-vs-chagaev/ |title=HEAD-TO-HEAD: KLITSCHKO VS. CHAGAEV|date=19 June 2009|access-date=6 April 2020}}

The fight took place at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, with over 61,000 fans having attended the fight, the largest audience for a boxing fight in Germany since 1939, when Max Schmeling knocked out Adolf Heuser in front of 70,000 people in Stuttgart.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ringtv.com/121335-klitschko-halts-chagaev-wins-ring-title/ |title=KLITSCHKO HALTS CHAGAEV, WINS RING TITLE|date=20 June 2009|access-date=6 April 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/20/wladimir-klitschko-defeats-ruslan-chagaev |title=Wladimir Klitschko secures technical knockout over Ruslan Chagaev|website=The Guardian|date=20 June 2009|access-date=6 April 2020}} Klitschko dominated the fight, keeping Chagaev at the end of his jab and throwing straight right hand whenever necessary. Klitschko dropped Chagaev near the end of the second round, and was gradually fighting more aggressively as the fight progressed. Chagaev's trainer Michael Timm did not allow Chagaev to come out for the tenth round, prompting the referee to wave the bout off, declaring Klitschko the winner by corner retirement (RTD). This win had added significance because even though the WBA title was not on the line, many saw Klitschko as the rightful champion.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4274889 |title=Klitschko wins by TKO, keeps heavyweight titles |date=20 June 2009 |publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 April 2017}}

On 9 December 2009, Klitschko's management group, K2 Promotions, confirmed that a bout with Eddie Chambers had been agreed to take place in Germany on 20 March 2010. This mandatory title defence, originally scheduled for December 2009, had to be delayed due to a hand injury that Klitschko sustained in training that required surgery.{{Cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/332813-wladimir-klitschko-vs-eddie-chambers-march-20th-in-germany |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs Eddie Chambers March 20 in Germany |last=J |first=King |website=Bleacher Report|access-date=30 April 2017}} In the build-up to the fight, Klitschko described Chambers as "the best American heavyweight right now".{{Cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11960804/klitschko-vs-chambers-10-years-ago-how-long-reigning-champion-destroyed-americas-dreams |title=Klitschko vs Chambers 10 years ago: How long-reigning champion destroyed America's dreams|work=Sky Sports |access-date=27 March 2020}} In the pre-fight comparison of the fighters, The Ring gave Chambers the upper hand in speed and athletic ability, as well as defence, while crediting Klitschko as more powerful and experienced.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ringtv.com/123175-head-to-head-w-klitschko-chambers/ |title=HEAD TO HEAD: W. KLITSCHKO-CHAMBERS |date=19 March 2010|access-date=27 March 2020}} In the United States, the bout was not televised by any TV station but was aired on the Klitschko's official website for $14.95 instead.{{cite web |title=THE FACT KLITSCHKO-CHAMBERS IS NOT ON U.S. TV IS A NEW LOW |date=15 March 2010 |url=https://www.ringtv.com/123155-the-fact-klitschko-chambers-is-not-on-us-tv-is-a-new-low/|access-date=16 November 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportsdaily.ru/articles/vitaliy-klichko-uydu-kogda-s-bratom-soberem-vse-chempionskie-poyasa-37148 |title=Виталий Кличко: "Уйду, когда с братом соберем все чемпионские пояса"|access-date=1 November 2020 |language=ru}} The official venue was the multi-functional football stadium ESPRIT Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/591838/1476253 |title=Bout: Wladimir Klitschko vs Eddie Chambers|access-date=27 March 2020}}

The bout turned-out to be one-sided, with the champion winning rounds keeping Chambers at the end of his jab and occasionally throwing straight right hands. In the opening rounds, Chambers lifted Klitschko and took him down several times but was not deducted a point nor warned.{{Cite web |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2010/3/20/1382888/wladimir-klitschko-knocks-out |title=Wladimir Klitschko knocks out Eddie Chambers in final seconds |date=20 March 2010|access-date=27 March 2020}} In between the championship rounds, Klitschko was criticised by his trainer Emmanuel Steward for not fighting aggressively, despite comfortably winning on the scorecards. Klitschko picked up his pace during the final round and, with few seconds left, landed a left hook on Chambers' temple. The punch made Chambers fall forwards and lose consciousness for an extended period of time. The referee immediately stepped in and called an end to the contest.{{cite news |title=Klitschko KOs Chambers to keep titles |publisher=CNN |date=21 March 2010 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/03/20/boxing.klitschko/index.html}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2010/3/20/1382888/wladimir-klitschko-knocks-out |title=Wladimir Klitschko knocks out Eddie Chambers in final seconds |date=20 March 2010 |website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=30 April 2017}}{{Cite news |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/366215-wladimir-klitschko-vs-eddie-chambers-round-by-round |title=Wladimir Klitschko Vs. Eddie Chambers: Round by Round |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |work=Bleacher Report|access-date=30 April 2017 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/klitschko-knocks-out-chambers-to-keep-heavyweight-crown/a-5375360 |title=Klitschko knocks out Chambers to keep heavyweight crown|publisher=Deutsche Welle|access-date=27 March 2020}} Not counting revenue from advertising, Klitschko reportedly earned at least €6 million, or $8.12 million, for the fight.{{Cite web |url=https://rus.lb.ua/sport/2010/03/30/35151_vladimir_klichko_za_boy_s_chembers.html|title=Кличко заработал 6 миллионов евро за бой с Чемберсом|work=LB.ua |publisher=Livyi Bereh|access-date=7 March 2025}} It remains the only stoppage loss of Chambers' career.

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter II}}

File:Wladimir Klitschko 2010.jpg

Following the match with Chambers, a unification fight between Klitschko and David Haye, who, as of November 2009, had held the WBA title, appeared to be in the offing. Klitschko called out the Briton on YouTube in April 2010, stating, "I want to send this message to boxing fans and directly to David Haye. David, you've bitched out on fighting both Klitschko brothers twice already and now's the time to make it happen. On behalf of the boxing fans around the world, I am officially calling you out to fight me. You can't run away from me forever and you need to follow through with this fight if you want to be respected. I'm ready. What're you waiting for?"[http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_6089860,00.html Vladimir calls out Haye]. Skysports.com. Retrieved 19 June 2011.{{cite web |last=Vester |first=Mark |title=Klitschko: "David 'The Loser' Haye is scared and a liar" |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=14 April 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=26913}}

Haye's trainer, Adam Booth, indicated that Haye would be willing to accept the challenge.[http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_6090601,00.html Booth: Wlad will do nicely]. Skysports.com. Retrieved 19 June 2011. Both sides began negotiations for a potential fight and the bout was targeted for September.{{cite web |last=Vester |first=Mark |title=Vladimir Klitschko-David Haye Targeted For September |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=1 May 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=27421|access-date=9 May 2010}} As the negotiations continued to move forward,{{cite news |last=Chikov |first=Ruslan |title=Vladimir Klitschko-David Haye Talks Go Well With HBO |newspaper=BoxingScene.com |date=3 May 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=27458|access-date=9 May 2010}} the unification fight between Klitschko and Haye was expected to take place in Germany rather than England.{{cite web |last=Chikov |first=Ruslan |title=Vladimir Klitschko-David Haye Is Heading To Germany |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=4 May 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=27491|access-date=9 May 2010}}{{cite web |last=Satterfield |first=Lem |title=Vladimir Bitschko's Reps Sent Fight Offer To David Haye |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=11 May 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=27688|access-date=15 May 2010}} The IBF set a deadline to end negotiations on 17 May. A few days before the deadline, Haye said he was interested in fighting the older Klitschko, Vitali, rather than Wladimir.{{cite web |last=Chikov |first=Ruslan |title=Haye Wants Vitali, Vladimir-Povetkin As Deadline Nears |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=14 May 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=27799|access-date=15 May 2010}} The fight did not materialise and Klitschko was set to take on mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin. On 17 May 2010, the 30-day period of negotiation began for Klitschko to defend his championship against Povetkin.{{cite web |last=Chikov |first=Ruslan |title=Klitschko vs Haye Negotiations Continue, Despite Deadline |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=17 May 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=27878|access-date=18 May 2010}} Within this period, discussions to make a fight with Haye were still ongoing.{{cite web |last=Reeno |first=Rick |title=Klitschko's Trainer: If Haye Was a Man, He Would Respond |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=28 May 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=28142|access-date=28 May 2010}}

The bout between Klitschko and Povetkin was initially tentatively scheduled to take place in Frankfurt, Germany, on 11 September 2010. In July 2010, it was confirmed that the bout would be taking place in Frankfurt,{{cite web |url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2010/07/klitschko-vs-povetkin-in-frankfurt-germany-news |title=Klitschko vs. Povetkin in Frankfurt, Germany |last=Kim |first=Jason |publisher=BoxingNews24.com |date=4 July 2010|access-date=5 July 2010}} with Samuel Peter replacing Povetkin for the scheduled fight as Povetkin failed to show up to the press-conference, deciding to pull out of the fight at the advice of his coach Teddy Atlas who believed Povetkin was not ready to face Klitschko.{{cite web |author=Dan Rafael |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5401460 |title=Klitschko-Peter rematch on Sept. 11 |date=22 July 2010 |publisher=ESPN|access-date=2 August 2020}}{{cite web |author=Dan Rafael |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5418090 |title=W. Klitschko, Peter agree to fight terms |date=28 July 2010 |publisher=ESPN|access-date=2 August 2020}} Klitschko faced Peter for the second time, as they had fought in 2005 previously.{{cite web |title=Klitschko vs Peter Details; Bowman vs Acevado Tops |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=30 July 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=29686|access-date=31 July 2010}}{{cite web |last=Sukachev |first=Alexey |title=Klitschko Batters Peter For Ten Rounds, Knockout Win |publisher=BoxingScene.com |date=11 September 2010 |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=30863|access-date=12 September 2010}} Peter weighed in at 241 pounds, two pounds lighter than their first fight.{{cite web |title=BoxRec: Wladimir Klitschko |publisher=BoxRec.com |date=1 May 2010 |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/7035|access-date=12 March 2020}} Klitschko came in at a career heavy of 247 pounds.

Peter started the fight very aggressively and caught Klitschko with a good left hook in the opening minute, although Klitschko ended the round well. Peter was caught with three hard right-hands in the second round, one of which seemed to stun him. Peter tried to duck under the Klitschko jab, but was being tied up on the inside. After four rounds, the fight became one-sided in Klitschko's favour. Peter's right eye was closing and he was taking heavy punishment. After the ninth round, Peter's trainer Abel Sanchez said he would give him one more round.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} Emmanuel Steward also implored Klitschko to be more aggressive. Peter swung wildly in the tenth and Klitschko put him down with a concussive combination. Referee Robert Byrd did not start a count and waved the fight off, awarding Klitschko the win by KO. Klitschko reportedly earned approximately €7.2 million ($9.1 million) for the fight.{{cite web |url=https://news.liga.net/sport/news/vladimir-klichko-na-5-mln-evro-bogache-svoego-brata-vitaliya|title=Владимир Кличко богаче своего брата на 5 миллионов евро |date=14 September 2010 |publisher=news.liga.net|access-date=7 March 2025 |language=ru}}{{cite web |url=https://www.rbc.ua/rus/digests/vladimir-klichko-bogache-svoego-brata-vitaliya-na-pyat-millionov-14092010153700|title=Владимир Кличко богаче своего брата на 5 миллионов евро |publisher=rbc.ua|access-date=7 March 2025 |language=ru}}

Klitschko was set to fight Derek Chisora on 11 December, but the fight was later called off on 8 December due to Klitschko tearing a muscle in his abdomen.{{cite magazine |author=Chris Mannix, SI.com |date=8 December 2010 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/mma/boxing/12/08/klitschko.chisora.canceled/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213013804/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/mma/boxing/12/08/klitschko.chisora.canceled/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 December 2010 |title=Klitschko tears adbominal muscle, pulls out of Saturday title defense |magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=9 December 2010}}{{cite web |author=Dan Rafael |date=9 December 2010 |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5900377 |title=Wladimir Klitschko withdraws from fight |publisher=ESPN|access-date=9 December 2010}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye}}

On 5 January 2011, it was announced that Derek Chisora would get his fight with Klitschko. This enraged David Haye's trainer Adam Booth, who described the move as a "disgrace" on a heated live phone-in with Sky Sports News. Booth alleged Haye had met every single one of Klitschko's demands.{{cite news |author=Staff |date=5 January 2011 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_6636366,00.html |title=Chisora to get his chance |publisher=SkySports.com|access-date=5 January 2011}} The fight against Chisora was rescheduled for 30 April 2011 and was going to take place in SAP Arena, Mannheim.[http://www.klitschko.com/eng/Home.html Klitschko.com]. Retrieved 19 April 2011. However, on 4 March, it was announced that Klitschko had pulled out of the fight due to not being fully recovered from a torn abdominal muscle. On 5 March, it was instead announced that the highly anticipated fight against Haye would take place on 2 July 2011.[https://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=txklitschkohaye Klitschko-Haye could take place outside Germany] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305063702/http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=txklitschkohaye |date=5 March 2016 }}, Yahoo!.com (12 April 2011). Retrieved 19 April 2011. The fight was contingent on Klitschko's recovery from a torn abdominal muscle. The contract was written so that if Klitschko was not fully healed, then Haye would fight his brother, Vitali.{{cite web |date=6 March 2011 |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=6186846 |title=Wladimir Klitschko-David Haye fight set |publisher=ESPN|access-date=7 March 2011}}

Klitschko fought Haye in a heavyweight unification fight for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring magazine heavyweight titles. The fight took place at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg, Germany on 2 July 2011. Klitschko and Haye agreed to a 50–50 split of the purse and Haye was allotted 7,000 seats at the venue.[http://boxrec.com/show_display.php?show_id=619703 BoxRec Boxing Records]. Boxrec.com. Retrieved 19 June 2011.[http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/klitschko-haye-in-hamburg-82077 Boxing – Klitschko-Haye in Hamburg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424075421/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/klitschko-haye-in-hamburg-82077 |date=24 April 2011}}. Fightnews.com (20 April 2011). Retrieved 19 June 2011.[http://www.rtl.de/cms/information/boxen/boxen_news/boxen-klitschko-haye.html?startid=658890 Profile], RTL.de. Retrieved 19 June 2011. Klitschko won by UD, the three judges scored it 117–109, 118–108, and 116–110 all in favour of Klitschko. According to CompuBox, Klitschko landed 134 punches of 509 thrown (26.3% accuracy), while Haye connected on 72 shots out of 290 (24.8%). Klitschko outlanded Haye in every round but fourth.{{cite web |url=http://beta.compuboxdata.com/fighter |title=CompuBox: Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye|access-date=1 June 2020}} Haye revealed afterwards that he had a broken toe on his right foot, and claimed that it had hindered his game plan for the fight as he felt he was unable to jump out at Klitschko like he had previously in his career. Haye was subject to much derision and ridicule from within the boxing community and fans after citing his toe as part of the reason why he lost.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/jan/18/dereck-chisora-david-haye-vitali-klitschko |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Jamie |last=Jackson |title=Dereck Chisora ridicules David Haye bid to fight Vitali Klitschko |date=18 January 2012}} Despite this Klitschko claims that Haye was unable to fight because he was just too good for him.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/02/david-haye-wladimir-klitschko-live |title=David Haye v Wladimir Klitschko – as it happened |date=2 July 2011 |work=The Guardian|access-date=4 July 2011 |location=London |first=Gregg |last=Bakowski}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/8612899/Wladimir-Klitschko-breaks-David-Hayes-resolve-to-become-undisputed-heavyweight-champion-of-the-world.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705100738/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/8612899/Wladimir-Klitschko-breaks-David-Hayes-resolve-to-become-undisputed-heavyweight-champion-of-the-world.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 July 2011 |title=Wladimir Klitschko breaks David Haye's resolve to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world |date=2 July 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=4 July 2011 |location=London |first=Gareth A |last=Davies}}

{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/99125.html |title=Klitschko comprehensively settles score with Haye |publisher=ESPN |date=2 July 2011|access-date=2 July 2011}} According to SecondsOut, both Klitschko and Haye reportedly earned $32 million each for the fight.{{cite web|date=7 July 2016|title=Как боксеры выбивают большие деньги|url-status=dead|work=klitschko-brothers.com|url=https://klitschko-brothers.com/novosti/kak-boksery-vybivayut-bolshie-dengi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127032251/https://klitschko-brothers.com/novosti/kak-boksery-vybivayut-bolshie-dengi.html|archive-date=27 November 2020|access-date=10 September 2022}}

After winning the WBA title, all of the major heavyweight titles were in the hands of the Klitschko family. Wladimir and Vitali became the first and only pair of brothers to hold all of the heavyweight titles simultaneously.[http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Wladimir_Klitschko#World_Title_Factoids_&_Statistics Wladimir Klitschko profile], boxrec.com. Retrieved 8 July 2012.

On 6 October 2011, Klitschko announced his next fight. It was originally to be on 10 December 2011 against the former two time unified cruiserweight world champion, Jean-Marc Mormeck (36–4, 22 KOs). The fight would have taken place at Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf.[http://www.klitschko.com/en/home Official website of Vitali & Vladimir Klitschko], Klitschko.com. Retrieved 25 November 2011. This was Wladimir's first title defence after his win over David Haye unified all major heavyweight belts in the hands of the Klitschko brothers. The fight was predicted to generate 500 million viewers worldwide, similarly to Wladimir's fight against Haye.{{Cite web |url=http://www.schattenblick.de/infopool/sport/boxen/sbxm0605.html |title=MELDUNG/605: Franzose Jean-Marc Mormeck als Herausforderer Wladimir Klitschkos bestätigt (SB) |website=schattenblick.de |language=de|access-date=18 January 2021}} On 5 December 2011, the fight was cancelled because Klitschko checked into a hospital to have a kidney stone removed. After the removal operation he suffered from fever and inflammation.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/16016823.stm |work=BBC News |title=Klitschko pulls out of title bout |date=5 December 2011}} The fight was rescheduled for 3 March 2012, with Klitschko dominating and knocking out Mormeck in the fourth round.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-demolishes-mormeck-four-rounds--50237 |title=Wladimir Klitschko Demolishes Mormeck in Four Rounds |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=12 December 2017 |language=en-us}} CompuBox showed that in the 10 minutes and 12 seconds the fight lased, Klitschko landed 39 of 135 punches thrown (29%) and Mormeck landed just 3 of 19 thrown (16%). Mormeck failed to land anything in rounds 1 and 4.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=klitschko-mormeck-compubox |title=Klitschko vs. Mormeck - CompuBox Stats |website=boxingscene.com |language=en|access-date=12 December 2017}}

On 4 March 2012, Klitschko stated that he would next fight his mandatory challenger Tony Thompson (36–2, 24 KOs), who had been ranked as the world's eighth best heavyweight by BoxRec at the conclusion of the previous year,{{cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/BoxRec%27s_Annual_Ratings:_Heavyweight_Annuals |title=BoxRec's Annual Ratings: Heavyweight Annuals|access-date=13 December 2020}} in a rematch from their first fight in 2008. At the time, he stated that the newly opened Barclays Arena in New York were interested in showcasing a Klitschko brother. Since they last fought, Thompson recorded five straight wins, all by KO.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-admits-tony-thompson-rematch-next-move--50272 |title=Wladimir Admits Tony Thompson Rematch is Next Move |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=11 December 2017 |language=en-us}} A purse bid was set by the IBF, where Klitschko, upon request, would receive 85% of the purse split, compared to the usual 75%.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-thompson-purse-bid-85-split-wladimir--50660 |title=Klitschko-Thompson Purse Bid: 85% Split For Vladimir |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=11 December 2017 |language=en-us}} The fight was confirmed to take place at the Stade de Suisse in Berne, Switzerland on 7 July.[https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/7741883/wladimir-klitschko-make-12th-title-defense-rematch-vs-tony-thompson Wladimir Klitschko to make 12th title defense in a rematch vs. Tony Thompson], ESPN, 27 March 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2012. In an interview, Klitschko admitted that Thompson was not his first choice and that he would have rather fought someone he had not fought before.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-confession-thompson-not-my-first-choice--54569 |title=Klitschko Confession: Thompson Was Not My First Choice |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=11 December 2017 |language=en-us}} "So far I've always been better in rematches. However, I must not take this lightly as Thompson knows me better than any other fighter", Klitschko said in the build-up to the fight.{{cite web|date=30 November 2020|title=Кличко: Томпсон меня знает - Eurosport|url=https://www.eurosport.ru/boxing/---/story_sto3264014.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130011951/https://www.eurosport.ru/boxing/---/story_sto3264014.shtml|archive-date=30 November 2020|access-date=7 November 2021}} "I've been waiting for this rematch for so long", Thompson said during one of pre-fight press-conferences, "In Bern, I'm gonna finish what I've started 4 years ago - knock Klitschko out and take the belts back to the United States".{{Cite news |url=https://korrespondent.net/sport/boks/1339470-vladimir-klichko-tompson-silnyj-i-slozhnyj |title=Владимир Кличко: Томпсон - сильный и сложный |work=korrespondent.net|access-date=27 July 2020 |language=ru}} Thompson weighed in at 244.75, dropping 10.75 lbs from his last fight, while Klitschko weighed in at 249, the heaviest in his entire career. The additional weight appeared to be muscle.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports.ru/boxing/5194838.html |title=Состоялось взвешивание перед поединком Владимир Кличко – Тони Томпсон |website=sports.ru|date=11 July 2008 |access-date=27 July 2020 |language=ru}}

In the first round, both fighters were cautious, patiently studying each other. Klitschko became more dominant in the second, working mostly with his jab. Thompson unsuccessfully went for the attack and in the process fell to the canvas. The referee did not rule it a knockdown. In the third round, Thompson hurt Klitschko for the first time in the fight with a counter left hand but was still being outboxed by Klitschko. In the fifth round, Klitschko pressed Thompson into a corner and hurt him with a straight right hand, knocking him down. Thompson beat the count but looked hurt, however he was able to survive that round. Klitschko continued his assault in the sixth, sending Thompson down again with a flurry of shots. Thompson got up but had to hold on to the ropes to stand, which prompted the referee to stop the fight, declaring Klitschko the winner by sixth-round TKO.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sovsport.ru/boxing/articles/850735-kak-toni-tompson-pytalsja-dvazhdy-pobedit-vladimira-klichko |title=Как Тони Томпсон пытался дважды победить Владимира Кличко|access-date=27 July 2020 |language=ru}} "From the beginning, I had no doubt that I would successfully defend the titles. But it was hard to time an accurate shot. Thompson was elusive, he didn't lose an eye contact at any moment in the fight and was able to see most of my punches", said Klitschko in a post-fight interview.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sport.cz/ostatni/ostatni/clanek/429765-klicko-nepochyboval-jsem-ale-bylo-tezke-thompsona-trefit.html |title=Kličko: Nepochyboval jsem, ale bylo těžké Thompsona trefit |website=sport.cz|date=8 July 2012 |access-date=27 July 2020 |language=cs}} It was his twelfth consecutive title defence, the third-most in heavyweight history.[http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/klitschko-thompson-undercard-results-122272 Klitschko KOs Thompson again] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710003522/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/klitschko-thompson-undercard-results-122272 |date=10 July 2012 }}. Fightnews.com (7 July 2012). Retrieved 8 July 2012.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-batters-tony-thompson-tko-six--54754 |title=Wladimir Klitschko Batters Tony Thompson For TKO in Six |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=11 December 2017 |language=en-us}} CompuBox stats showed Klitschko landed 51 of 121 total punches thrown (42%) and Thompson landed only 25 of 183 thrown (14%).{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=klitschko-thompson-compubox |title=Klitschko vs. Thompson - CompuBox |website=boxingscene.com |language=en|access-date=11 December 2017}}

Shortly afterwards, Klitschko signed a new 5–fight deal with RTL. According to the agreement, for each fight Klitschko was guaranteed €3 million for broadcasting rights and €117,000 for each of the 23 ads shown by the network throughout the fight, or approximately €2.7 million total.{{cite web |url=http://sport.bigmir.net/boks/profi/1565481-8-millionov-evro-za-boj--Na-chem-zarabatyvajut-brat-ja-Klichko|title=8 миллионов евро за бой. На чем зарабатывают братья Кличко|access-date=25 January 2025|archive-date=12 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190312055335/http://sport.bigmir.net/boks/profi/1565481-8-millionov-evro-za-boj--Na-chem-zarabatyvajut-brat-ja-Klichko|url-status=dead }}

There was first mention of a potential Klitschko vs. Mariusz Wach (27–0, 15 KOs) fight in August 2011 when Klitschko's team approached Wach's promoters for a fight, however nothing materialised.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-wach-if-money-right-they-fight--42310 |title=Klitschko-Wach: If The Money is Right, They Might Fight |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Wach's promoter Global Boxing stated that it was Klitschko's advisor Shelly Finkel that contacted them. Bernd Boente denied these claims.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-wach-conflicting-statements-on-fight-status--42321 |title=Klitschko-Wach: Conflicting Statements on Fight Status |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} In August 2012, serious negotiations took place for the fight. A date in November was considered with the venue likely to be in Hamburg, Germany. Terms were fully agreed within days of the negotiations for the fight to take place 10 November.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-wach-negotiations-intensify-fall--55653 |title=Klitschko-Wach Negotiations Intensify For The Fall |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}}{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-wach-reach-agreement-on-terms-fight-on--56330 |title=Klitschko, Wach Reach Agreement on Terms: Fight is On! |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Klitschko revealed he would train with Johnathon Banks due to Steward recovering from a bowel operation.[https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/8547447/emanuel-steward-trainer-wladimir-klitschko-replaced-health-reasons Banks to train Wladimir Klitschko] ESPN, 24 October 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2015.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-wach-johnathon-banks-replace-steward--58531 |title=Klitschko-Wach: Johnathon Banks To Replace Steward |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} On 25 October, Steward died at the age of 68.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/emanuel-steward-1944-2012-legend-passes-away--58619 |title=Emanuel Steward 1944-2012: A Legend Passes Away |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} The fight was the first time in his 16-year professional career that he had faced an opponent taller than himself.{{cite web |url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/08/wach-confirms-fight-with-klitschko |title=Wach confirms fight with Klitschko |publisher=Boxingnews24.com |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-date=29 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529025543/http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/08/wach-confirms-fight-with-klitschko/ |url-status=dead }} At 2.02 metres tall, with a reach of 2.08 metres and weighing 251 pounds, Wach was four centimetres taller than Klitschko with a reach two centimetres longer.[http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=309799&cat=boxer Mariusz Wach] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617022039/http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=309799&cat=boxer |date=17 June 2015 }} BoxRec.com. Retrieved 28 April 2015{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/8298839/wladimir-klitschko-defend-title-6-foot-7-mariusz-wach |title=W. Klitschko to defend title vs. 6-foot-7 Wach |publisher=ESPN|access-date=8 December 2017}} In Poland, the fight was available via pay-per-view platform on Canal+ Sport for 39 zł and Polsat Sport for 40 zł.{{Cite web |url=https://satkurier.pl/news/79866/cyfra-kliczko-wach-w-ppv.html |title=CYFRA+: Kliczko - Wach w PPV|access-date=6 June 2020 |language=pl}}{{Cite web |url=https://sport.se.pl/sporty-walki/boks/walka-kliczko-vs-wach-transmisja-za-39-zlotych-w-canal-aa-cdMp-VASG-tYCk.html |title=WALKA KLICZKO vs. WACH: Transmisja za 39 złotych w Canal+|access-date=6 June 2020 |language=pl}}{{Cite web |url=https://lublin.naszemiasto.pl/walka-kliczko-vs-wach-transmisja-online-w-internecie-i-na/ar/c2-2790664 |title=Walka Kliczko vs. Wach. Transmisja online w internecie i na żywo w tv |date=9 November 2012|access-date=6 June 2020 |language=pl}}{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/651188 |title=Event: Wladimir Klitschko vs Mariusz Wach|access-date=6 June 2020}}

On fight night, at the 02 World Arena, Klitschko dominated and retained his titles with a one sided UD. The three judges' scored the fight 120–107, 120–107, and 119–109. The bout opened with a battle between jabs which was won by Klitschko, who was following his jabs with his signature straight right. Wach managed to wobble Klitschko in round five but failed to take advantage. Wach also showed a great chin later in the fight when Klitschko began to let his hands go more landing thunderous shots.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-easily-beats-down-durable-wach-over-twelve--59191 |title=Klitschko Easily Beats Down Durable Wach Over Twelve |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}}{{Cite news |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/178746.html |title=Dominant Klitschko mauls brave Wach |publisher=ESPN|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-GB}} During the course of twelve rounds, Klitschko landed 274 of 693 punches landed (40%), whilst Wach landed 60 of his 308 thrown (19%).{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=klitschko-wach-compubox |title=Klitschko vs. Wach - CompuBox |website=boxingscene.com |language=en|access-date=8 December 2017}} After the fight, there were allegations against Wach that he had used steroids.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wachs-promoter-explodes-over-steroid-allegations--60032 |title=Wach's Promoter Explodes Over Steroid Allegations |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Alongside €5.7 million guaranteed by RTL, Klitschko also earned €1 million from sponsors, €800,000 from ticket sales and €500,000 for ads in the ring, totalling at least €8 million ($10.17 million).{{Cite web |url=https://niezalezna.pl/sport/34664-bracia-kliczko-maszyny-do-zarabiania/34664 |title=Bracia Kliczko - maszyny do zarabiania |website=niezalezna.pl |language=pl|access-date=7 March 2025}}

Days before the Klitschko vs. Wach fight took place, it was revealed that Team Sauerland offered Klitschko €5 million (around $6,5 million) for a possible fight against then-WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck in the future. At the time, Huck was preparing for a title defence against Firat Arslan.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-offered-5-million-euro-face-huck--58880 |title=Wladimir Klitschko Offered 5 Million Euro To Face Huck |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=11 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente turned down the offer stating money was not the issue. The reason the fight would never get made was due to the fact that the Klitschko's had a contract with German television network RTL and Huck was signed with their rival network ARD.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/boente-100-million-euro-make-klitschko-vs-huck--58885 |title=Boente: 100 Million Euro Won't Make Klitschko vs Huck |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=12 December 2017 |language=en-us}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Alexander Povetkin}}

File:VladimirVitaliy.jpg, IBF, IBO, WBO, WBC, and WBA.]]

At the end of 2012, the WBA ordered Klitschko to fight WBA (Regular) champion Alexander Povetkin of Russia by 24 February 2013,[http://wbanews.com/artman/publish/news/Klitschko_vs_Povetkin_negotiations_begin.shtml Klitschko vs Povetkin negotiations begin] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206080625/http://wbanews.com/artman/publish/news/Klitschko_vs_Povetkin_negotiations_begin.shtml |date=6 February 2013 }}. Wbanews.com. Retrieved 1 May 2013. but the two sides couldn't reach an agreement.[http://en.rsport.ru/fights/20130117/640390461.html Purse Bids for Povetkin-Klitschko|Boxing/MMA|R-Sport. All the top sports news]. En.rsport.ru (17 January 2013). Retrieved 1 May 2013. The WBA let Klitschko have another voluntary title defence before taking on Povetkin, but there should have been a signed contract with Povetkin before 28 February, with a new deadline for their bout no later than 31 July.[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/sport/wba-lets-wladimir-klitschko-delay-fight-against-povetkin-319608.html WBA lets Wladimir Klitschko delay fight against Povetkin]. Kyiv Post. Retrieved 1 May 2013.[http://wbanews.com/artman/publish/news/AMB_da_permiso_especial_a_Klitschko_pero_ratifica_mandatoria_con_Povetkin.shtml WBA gives special permission to Klitschko but ratifies his mandatory against Povetkin] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203120437/http://wbanews.com/artman/publish/news/AMB_da_permiso_especial_a_Klitschko_pero_ratifica_mandatoria_con_Povetkin.shtml |date=3 February 2013 }}. Wbanews.com. Retrieved 1 May 2013.

On 5 March 2013, K2 Promotions announced that Klitschko would fight another undefeated contender, Italian Francesco Pianeta, on 4 May at SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-pianeta-finalized-4th-sap-arena--63049 |title=Klitschko-Pianeta Finalized For May 4th at The SAP Arena |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Klitschko had received criticism in regards to past opponents. Pianeta was no different. Speaking to ESPN, he said, "I'm getting always criticised with my opponents, it doesn't matter are they well known or not so much and it's always very difficult to fight against someone that is not known because you are always getting these critics." Pianeta said it was the biggest experience of his life, but not his biggest fight. He went on to say he won his biggest fight against cancer in 2009.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-not-bothered-by-critics-pianeta-clash--63133 |title=Klitschko is Not Bothered By Critics of Pianeta Clash |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} From the start, Klitschko systematically broke down the Italian, consistently landing flush straight right hand shots. He dropped Pianeta with a right hand in round four, a left hand put Pianeta down in the fifth; the fight ended at 2:52 in round six when Klitschko put Pianeta down for the third time.{{Cite web |url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/5/4/4300764/klitschko-vs-pianeta-results-wladimir-dominates-again-scores-sixth |title=Results: Klitschko stops Pianeta in six |last=Christ |first=Scott |date=4 May 2013 |website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=4 November 2016}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-dominates-stops-pianeta-six-rounds--65159 |title=Klitschko Dominates and Stops Pianeta in Six Rounds |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/60-14-klitschko-continues-extend-his-reign--65211 |title=60 and 14: Klitschko Continues To Extend His Reign |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} According to CompuBox Stats, Klitschko landed 116 of 277 punches thrown (42%) and Pianeta landed 24 of 104 thrown (23%), an average of 4 punches landed per round.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=klitschko-pianeta-compubox |title=Klitschko vs. Pianeta - CompuBox |website=boxingscene.com |language=en|access-date=8 December 2017}}

Promoter Vladimir Hryunov won the right to promote Klitschko vs. Povetkin with a purse bid of $23,333,330 and Russian businessman Andrey Ryabinsky putting up the money. Failed bids made were from K2 Promotions ($7,130,000) and Povetkin's promoter Sauerland Event's ($6,014,444). It allowed Ryabinsky to dictate the location of the fight and guaranteed the fighters the biggest purses of their careers. Based on being entitled to 75 per cent of the winning bid, Klitschko got $17,499,997, while Povetkin received $5,833,333.{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/9762237/wladimir-klitschko-amped-long-awaited-alexander-povetkin-bout |title=Wladimir Klitschko amped about long-awaited Alexander Povetkin bout |publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 April 2017}} The Klitschko camp were said to be surprised by the bid.{{Cite news |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/204099.html |title=Klitschko camp 'surprised' by $23m purse bid |publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 April 2017 |language=en-GB}} The fight was expected to generate around 100 million viewers in Europe.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-wladimir-klitschko-v-alexander-povetkin-how-russia-won-the-heavyweight-war-8857473.html |title=Boxing - Wladimir Klitschko v Alexander Povetkin: How Russia won the heavyweight war|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.segodnya.ua/sport/boxing/Klichko-Povetkin-kak-Rossiya-vyigrala-voynu-v-tyazhelom-vese-465061.html |title=Кличко – Поветкин: как Россия выиграла войну в тяжелом весе|access-date=3 July 2020 |language=ru}}{{cite news |url=https://focus.ua/ukraine/285577 |title=Ньюсмейкер недели. Ключевые цитаты о бое Кличко – Поветкин|access-date=3 July 2020 |language=ru}} It was reported that the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, was going to attend the fight.{{cite news |url=https://news.liga.net/sport/news/putin_pridet_na_boy_klichko_povetkin |title=Путин придет на бой Кличко - Поветкин|access-date=21 January 2021 |language=ru}}{{cite news |url=https://sport.segodnya.ua/sport/boxing/Vladimir-Putin-posetit-boy-Klichko-i-Povetkina-459167.html |title=Владимир Путин посетит бой Кличко и Поветкина|access-date=21 January 2021 |language=ru}}

The fight took place on 5 October 2013 at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow.{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/672143 |title=Event: Wladimir Klitschko vs Alexander Povetkin|access-date=16 June 2020}} The bout was marred with over 160 clinches, most initiated by Klitschko, followed by several repeated roughhouse tactics throughout the match. This included Klitschko's leaning on his opponent and pushing his head down and throwing Povetkin away to prevent Povetkin from clinching, which resulted in the referee scoring some of Povetkin's fallings as knockdowns, as well as Povetkin's punching after the referee's break command and leaning his head too low.[https://www.segodnya.ua/sport/boxing/Vladimir-Klichko-govorit-chto-on-tozhe-mozhet-vydvinut-pretenzii-sude-466942.html Поветкин наносил удары после команды "стоп" и слишком низко "нырял" под него] Klitschko won by UD, scoring a knockdown in round two from a quick left hook, and three knockdowns in round seven, including one prompted from a straight right hand. All three judges scored it 119–104 on the scorecards.{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/9785532/wladimir-klitschko-grinds-miguel-cotto-shines |title=Scorecard: Klitschko grinds while Cotto shines |publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 April 2017}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/24416324 |title=Wladimir Klitschko beats Alexander Povetkin in Moscow |date=5 October 2013 |work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 April 2017 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/10/5/4806732/klitschko-vs-povetkin-results-wladimir-klitschko-wins-and-easily-once |title=Klitschko wins again, shuts out Povetkin |date=5 October 2013 |website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=30 April 2017}} Klitschko landed 139 of 417 punches (33%) and Povetkin connected on 59 of 283 (21%).{{Cite web |url=http://compuboxonline.com/throwdownfantasy-com-stats-klitschko-w-12-povetkin/ |title=CompuBox – ThrowdownFantasy.com Stats: Klitschko W 12 Povetkin |website=compuboxonline.com |language=en-US|access-date=30 April 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003071008/http://compuboxonline.com/throwdownfantasy-com-stats-klitschko-w-12-povetkin/|url-status=dead}} After the fight, Klitschko told in the interview that he had little desire to go for the knockout as the Russian crowd would be disappointed, which lead to speculations about the alleged agreement between the champion and organisers to let the bout go the distance,[https://utro.ru/articles/2013/10/08/1148816.shtml Кличко объяснил, почему не добил Поветкина][http://www.ntv.ru/novosti/671778/ Кличко: не стал расстраивать россиян нокаутом Поветкина]{{Cite web |url=http://sport.bigmir.net/boks/profi/1596265-Vladimir-Klichko-rasskazal--pochemu-ne-zahotel-nokautirovat--Povetkina |title=Владимир Кличко рассказал, почему не захотел нокаутировать Поветкина |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=13 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213083952/http://sport.bigmir.net/boks/profi/1596265-Vladimir-Klichko-rasskazal--pochemu-ne-zahotel-nokautirovat--Povetkina |url-status=dead }} which Klitschko later denied. With 9.2 rating, the fight became the most popular sporting event on Russian television in 2013, as well as the most watched TV programme of the year in Moscow with 13.9 rating, surpassing the Moscow Victory Day Parade.[https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/sport_tv/517744.html 20 самых рейтинговых трансляций России в 2013 году][https://lenta.ru/articles/2014/01/22/2013tv/ Итоги 2013 года глазами телезрителей 20-ти больших городов страны] Overall, the fight was watched by 23 million people in Russia. The fight also became the most popular TV programme of the Ukrainian television in 2013 with 19.5 rating (audience 18+){{Cite web |url=https://inter.ua/ru/news/inter-media-group-ukrepila-liderstvo-na-ukrainskom-televidenii-v-2013-godu|title=Inter Media Group укрепила лидерство на украинском телевидении в 2013 году|date=16 January 2014|access-date=23 January 2023}} and 23 million total viewers and the most watched programme of RTL Television in 2013, averaging 11 million viewers.[https://smago.de/smago-informiert/RTL-Das-TV-Jahr-2013-108216/ RTL: television year 2013] (ger.)

In November 2013, Alex Leapai (30–4–3, 24 KOs) caused a huge upset in defeating then-unbeaten Denis Boytsov to become the WBO mandatory challenger.{{cite web |url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/12/wbo-makes-alex-lepai-the-mandatory-for-wladimi-klitschko/ |title=WBO makes Alex Leapai the mandatory for Wladimir Klitschko |publisher=Boxing News 24 |access-date=4 December 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On 5 January 2014 K2 Promotions announced that a deal was close to being reached for the Klitschko vs. Leapai fight to take place in Germany on 26 April.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/news/2014/01/05/klitschko-and-leapai-set-april-date-for-mandatory-bout.html |title=Klitschko and Leapai set April date for mandatory bout |publisher=World Boxing News|access-date=5 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040148/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/news/2014/01/05/klitschko-and-leapai-set-april-date-for-mandatory-bout.html|archive-date=6 January 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-leapai-deal-close-april-26-germany--73364 |title=Klitschko-Leapai Deal is Close For April 26 in Germany|work=BoxingScene.com |access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Klitschko signed the contract on 3 February.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/photo-w-klitschko-inks-contract-face-leapai-4-26--74309 |title=Photo: W. Klitschko Inks Contract To Face Leapai, 4/26 |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} It was revealed that former world title challenger David Tua declined a 'lucrative offer' to spar with Klitschko ahead of the fight. Tua told Australian newspaper The Courier-Mail he "didn't want to help anyone beat a 'Samoan brother'".{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/david-tua-refuses-help-klitschko-leapai-camp--75363 |title=David Tua Refuses To Help Klitschko in Leapai Camp |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} On fight night, Klitschko knocked Leapai down three times, and referee Eddie Cotton stopped the fight with 55 seconds remaining in the fifth round.{{Cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/boxing/alex-leapai-destroyed-by-wladimir-klitschko-as-he-lands-just-10-punches-20140426-zr08z.html |title=Alex Leapai destroyed by Wladimir Klitschko as he lands just 10 punches |last=Lutton |first=Phil |date=27 April 2014 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=8 March 2017 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2014/4/26/5656628/klitschko-vs-leapai-results-wladimir-klitschko-dominates-again-stops |title=Klitschko finishes Leapai in five |date=26 April 2014 |website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=8 March 2017}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-beats-down-overmatched-leapai-five--77143 |title=Klitschko Beats Down Overmatched Leapai in Five |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Despite all the pre-fight trash talk done by Leapai, Klitschko told him, "You have truly a lionheart. You never stopped. You were challenging, you were bold. You had great desire to become a champion. Not many of my opponents have that type of attitude, that type of heart." Klitschko landed 147 of 396 punches thrown (37%), while Leapai landed a dire 10 of his 69 (14%). The 10 punches landed were made up of 6 jabs and 4 power punches.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-gives-praise-leapai-efforts--77157 |title=Wladimir Klitschko Gives Praise To Leapai For Efforts |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=klitschko-leapai |title=Klitschko vs. Leapai - CompuBox |website=boxingscene.com |language=en|access-date=8 December 2017}}

The IBF finally ordered Klitschko vs. Kubrat Pulev on 8 May 2014 and gave a 30-day negotiation period.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-vs-kubrat-pulev-ordered-by-ibf--77592 |title=Wladimir Klitschko vs. Kubrat Pulev Ordered By IBF |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente stated that a potential fight with WBC champion Bermane Stiverne was their main priority, a fight which would see all of the heavyweight belts at stake. Kalle Sauerland stated that he would request to get Klitschko (62–3, 52 KOs) stripped of the IBF title if he didn't fight Pulev. At the same time Deontay Wilder was named as Stiverne's mandatory and the WBC stated he must fight Wilder next.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschkos-manager-stiverne-wlads-target-not-pulev--78240 |title=Klitschko's Manager: Stiverne is Wlad's Target, Not Pulev |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} With the IBF purse bid split being 75–25 in favour of the champion, Klitschko requested the split be 80–20 in his favour. The IBF accepted the request.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschkos-80-20-purse-split-request-approved-by-ibf--78303 |title=Klitschko's 80-20 Purse Split Request Approved By IBF |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} A purse bid took place on 17 June, which was won by K2 Promotions. The winning bid was $7.25 million. Sauerland Event put in a bid for $5.29 million. As per the bid, K2 had the location set as the O2 World Arena in Hamburg, with a possible date being 6 September 2014.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-pulev-k2-outbids-sauerland-wins-purse-bid--79005 |title=Klitschko-Pulev: K2 Outbids Sauerland, Wins Purse Bid |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} In August, Klitschko suffered a bicep injury, thus postponing the fight by at least two months. A new date of 15 November was set.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-pulev-rescheduled-11-15-hamburg--81494 |title=Klitschko-Pulev Rescheduled For 11/15 In Hamburg |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} HBO announced that they would air the fight live in the afternoon, making it the 19th Klitschko fight they would show.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/hbo-air-wladimir-klitschko-kubrat-pulev-live--84038 |title=HBO to air Wladimir Klitschko-Kubrat Pulev live |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}} Two days before the fight, it was revealed only the IBF title would be at stake for Pulev, however if Klitschko loses, the remaining titles would be vacated.{{cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-pulev-only-ibf-belt-stake-challenger--84208 |title=Klitschko-Pulev: Only IBF Belt at Stake For Challenger |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dan-rafael/post/_/id/11040/pulev-can-only-win-one-of-klitschkos-belts |title=Pulev can win only one of Klitschko's belts |date=14 November 2014}} The fight's worldwide audience was estimated to be 300 million viewers.{{Cite web |url=https://topsport.bg/box/300-miliona-za-kubrat-i-klichko.html |title=300 милиона за Кубрат и Кличко! |date=15 November 2014|access-date=26 March 2020 |language=bg}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportal.bg/news.php?news=518455 |title=300 милиона зрители на шоуто Пулев - Кличко|access-date=26 March 2020 |language=bg}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportlive.bg/sport/other/300-miliona-gledat-megasblysyka-Pulev---Klichko-60444.html |title=300 милиона гледат мегасблъсъка Пулев - Кличко|date=15 November 2014 |access-date=26 March 2020 |language=bg}}

Despite making a spirited effort, Pulev suffered three knockdowns en route to being knocked out in round five by a devastating left hook. The time of stoppage was recorded as 2:11 of round five. In the post-fight interview, Pulev said, "Wladimir is a really good opponent, but he was lucky. I want a rematch". Klitschko praised Pulev, calling him a tough competitor.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-drills-kubrat-pulev-fifth--84295 |title=Wladimir Klitschko Drills Kubrat Pulev in The Fifth |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}}[https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/11881402/wladimir-klitschko-defeats-kubrat-pulev-retain-heavyweight-title Wladimir Klitschko retains title again]. ESPN.go.com (15 November 2014). Retrieved 4 December 2016. CompuBox stats showed that Klitschko landed 38 of 89 punches thrown (43%), this included 47% of his power punches. Pulev managed to land only 25 of his 110 thrown (23%). This was made up of 10 jabs and 15 power shots landed.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=klitschko-pulev |title=Klitschko vs. Pulev - CompuBox |website=boxingscene.com |language=en|access-date=8 December 2017}} The fight drew 10.5 million viewers in Germany and 1.8 million viewers in Bulgaria, becoming the most watched sports event on Bulgarian TV since 2007 and the most watched programme in the history of the television channel Nova TV.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportlive.bg/sport/other/bojat-klichko-pulev-vzrivi-standartite-s-18-mln-zriteli-60774.html |title=Боят Кличко - Пулев взриви стандартите с 1,8 млн. зрители|date=17 November 2014 |access-date=6 June 2020 |language=bg}} The fight also averaged 620,000 viewers on HBO and peaked at 700,000 viewers.{{Cite news |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschkos-return-hbo-hit-ring-ratings--84388 |title=Klitschko's Return to HBO A Hit In The Ring And Ratings |work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=8 December 2017 |language=en-us}}

{{main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings}}

On 20 January 2015 ESPN reported that the potential Klitschko vs. Jennings was confirmed and to take place on 25 April 2015 at Madison Square Garden. Negotiations initially started in November 2014. Klitschko's manager, Bernd Boente finally announced the fight and said all contracts had been signed. The Barclays Center in New York City was originally chosen to stage the fight, but no reason was given for the change of venue.{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/12197581/wladimir-klitschko-bryant-jennings-set-april-25-madison-square-garden |title=Klitschko-Jennings set for April 25 at Garden |publisher=ESPN|access-date=5 May 2017}}

It would be the fourth time Klitschko would fight at the Garden, his first time at the arena and the United States since 2008, defending his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring heavyweight titles. He defeated Jennings by effective use of his jab and nullifying Jennings' offensive game on the inside, especially by holding Jennings, which resulted in the referee deducting a point in the tenth round for excessive holding, although Klitschko did end up winning via UD with scores of 116–111, 116–111, and 118–109. According to Compubox Stats, Klitschko landed 144 of his 545 punches thrown (26%) whilst Jennings landed 110 of 376 (29 per cent).{{cite web |title=Wladimir Klitschko decisions Bryant Jennings to defend heavyweight title |date=26 April 2015 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/12767497/wladimir-klitschko-defeats-bryant-jennings-unanimous-decision-retain-heavyweight-title|access-date=26 April 2015}} According to Nielsen Media Research, the fight averaged 1.637 million viewers on HBO, peaking at 1.742 million viewers.{{Cite web |url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2015/4/28/8508991/klitschko-vs-jennings-peaks-at-over-1-7-million-viewers-on-hbo |title=Klitschko delivers highest HBO rating since 2012 |date=28 April 2015 |website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=5 May 2017}} With this win, Klitschko defeated 23rd boxer for the world heavyweight championship, beating a record held by Joe Louis for 66 years. Klitschko reportedly earned $12.5 million for the fight.{{Cite web |url=https://sport.segodnya.ua/sport/football/glavnye-bogachi-sporta-bolshe-vseh-zarabatyvayut-klichko-i-yarmolenko-svitolina-nomer-odin-u-devushek-674084.html |title=Главные богачи спорта: больше всех зарабатывают Кличко и Ярмоленко, Свитолина – номер один у девушек|access-date=1 December 2020}}

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Tyson Fury|}}

Klitschko was scheduled to take on undefeated heavyweight contender Tyson Fury, the WBO mandatory challenger, on 24 October 2015. On 25 September 2015, Klitschko postponed the fight, citing a calf injury. It was rescheduled for 28 November 2015.[http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10005377/wladimir-klitschko-v-tyson-fury-postponed-due-to-champion-suffering-calf-injury Wladimir Klitschko v Tyson Fury postponed due to champion suffering calf injury | Boxing News]. Sky Sports. Retrieved 28 November 2015. On the night of the fight, there was much controversy, first starting with the gloves, then there was a complaint about the ring canvas. Klitschko reportedly had his hands wrapped without a representative of Fury present, so had to do them again.{{Cite news |url=http://larrybrownsports.com/boxing/tyson-fury-wladimir-klitschko-hand-wraps/283126 |title=Tyson Fury team makes Wladimir Klitschko re-do his hand wraps |date=28 November 2015 |work=Larry Brown Sports|access-date=27 December 2017 |language=en-US}} Klitschko lost the fight by UD, with scores of 115–112, 115–112, and 116–111 all in favour of Fury.{{Cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/klitschko-vs-fury/news/33472/10083545/klitschko-vs-fury-tyson-fury-wins-unanimous-decision-against-wladimir-klitschko |title=Klitschko vs Fury: Tyson Fury wins unanimous decision against Wladimir Klitschko |work=Sky Sports|access-date=27 December 2017 |language=en}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2015/nov/28/wladimir-klitschko-v-tyson-fury-boxing-live |title=Tyson Fury beats Wladimir Klitschko: world heavyweight boxing – as it happened |last=Lutz |first=Tom |date=28 November 2015 |work=The Guardian|access-date=27 December 2017 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} It was the first defeat Klitschko had suffered in over ten years and marked the end of the 'Klitschko Era', referring to the time period where both Klitschko brothers dominated the division. Klitschko and Fury showed little offence during the twelve rounds, but Fury did enough to take the decision. Klitschko landed 52 of 231 punches thrown (22.5%) and Fury landed 86 of 371 thrown (23.2%).{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/111987/fury-upsets-klitschko-top-stats-to-know |title=Fury upsets Klitschko: Top stats to know |publisher=ESPN|access-date=27 December 2017}}

In the post-fight interview, an emotional Fury said, "This is a dream come true. We worked so hard for this. I've done it. It's hard to come to foreign countries and get decisions. It just means so much to me to come here and get the decision." He then took the microphone to thank Klitschko, "I'd like to say to Wladimir, you're a great champion. And thanks very much for having me. It was all fun and games during the buildup." Klitschko failed to throw his well-known right hand, mostly due to Fury's constant movement and mocking. He said, "Tyson was the faster and better man tonight. I felt quite comfortable in the first six rounds, but I was astonished that Tyson was so fast in the second half as well. I couldn't throw my right hand because the advantage was the longer distance he had." Klitschko had a rematch clause in place.Dirs, Ben (2015) "[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/34956022 Tyson Fury beats Wladimir Klitschko to become world champion]", BBC, 29 November 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2015{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/14244433/tyson-fury-wins-unanimous-decision-wladimir-klitschko-become-world-heavyweight-champion |title=Fury ends Klitschko reign as heavyweight champ |publisher=ESPN|access-date=21 September 2017}}

Klitschko was entitled to a rematch with Fury as part of the contract for their first fight. The rematch was eventually announced on 8 April 2016 and set to take place in Fury's home town at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England on 9 July 2016.{{Cite news |title=Fury & Klitschko set for 9 July rematch |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/35995004|access-date=5 June 2020}} However, Tyson Fury announced via a YouTube video that the fight would be postponed due to an ankle sprain he had received during training. He apologised to his fans and confirmed the fight would be rescheduled for a later date. On 7 July, Fury announced via his Twitter account that the rescheduled fight would take place on 29 October at the Manchester Arena. On 23 September, Fury again postponed the fight after being declared "medically unfit",{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/37456191 |title=Wladimir Klitschko v Tyson Fury postponed: World heavyweight rematch on hold |date=23 September 2016 |newspaper=BBC Sport |language=en-GB|access-date=26 September 2016}} before eventually vacating the WBA (Super), WBO, and IBO titles, citing problems with depression after testing positive for cocaine.{{Cite news |url=http://www.givemesport.com/891813-tyson-fury-releases-statement-after-vacating-world-titles?autoplay=on |title=Tyson Fury writes emotional 127-word statement after vacating world titles |date=13 October 2016 |newspaper=GiveMeSport|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013220118/http://www.givemesport.com/891813-tyson-fury-releases-statement-after-vacating-world-titles?autoplay=on|url-status=dead}} The rematch with Klitschko was cancelled as a result.

{{Main|Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko}}

File:Wladimir Klitschko B 08-2017.jpg

Days after the Fury rematch was called off, Klitschko was approached by Eddie Hearn, promoter of IBF champion Anthony Joshua, to fight on 28 November date they had set for a second defence. Terms seemed to have been agreed for a £30m fight showdown although an initial contract was yet to be signed.{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/boxing/anthony-joshua-wladimir-klitschko-boxing-date-announced-heavyweight-bout-a7363791.html |title=Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko date to be announced |date=16 October 2016 |newspaper=The Independent |language=en-GB|access-date=29 October 2016}} After Fury gave up his world titles, it was said that Klitschko wanted the WBA (Super) title up for grabs in the potential match up against Joshua and waiting for approval, which the WBA kept postponing.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2016/10/23/news/wba-decision-on-joshua-v-klitschko-ruled-out-until-monday |title=WBA decision on Joshua v Klitschko ruled out until Monday |last=WBN |website=WBN - World Boxing News |access-date=30 October 2016 |archive-date=30 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030081708/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2016/10/23/news/wba-decision-on-joshua-v-klitschko-ruled-out-until-monday |url-status=dead}} A reason as to why the WBA was delaying sanctioning the fight was due them having a legal settlement with Lucas Browne so he could fight for the vacant title next. Klitschko then turned his attention to fighting Browne instead on 10 December, a date his team had an arena set for in Germany.{{cite news |url=http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/klitschko-browne-clash-wba-crown-357156? |title=Klitschko-Browne to clash for WBA crown? {{!}} Boxing News|date=20 October 2016|newspaper=Boxing News|language=en-US|access-date=30 October 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031085323/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/klitschko-browne-clash-wba-crown-357156|archive-date=31 October 2016}} On 24 October, Klitschko suffered a minor calf injury which would rule him out until 2017. Talks between the Klitschko camp and Hearn remained active with a fight set for the first part of 2017.{{cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-out-december-10-fight-with-injury--110054? |title=Wladimir Klitschko Out Of December 10 Fight With Injury - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com|date=24 October 2016 |access-date=30 October 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://sport.bt.com/boxing/anthony-joshua-set-for-spring-bout-with-wladimir-klitschko-S11364108823303 |title=Anthony Joshua set for spring bout with Wladimir Klitschko |newspaper=BT.com|access-date=30 October 2016}} On 2 November, the WBA finally agreed to sanction a fight for their super title as long as Joshua defeats Eric Molina in December 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2016/11/02/news/wba-resolution-joshua-v-klitschko-sanctioned-ortiz-out-browne-v-briggs-ordered |title=WBA resolution: Joshua v Klitschko sanctioned; Ortiz out; Browne v Briggs ordered |last=Jay |first=Phil D. |website=WBN - World Boxing News |date=2 November 2016|access-date=4 November 2016}}

On 10 December, immediately after Joshua had defeated Molina at the Manchester Arena, Klitschko was invited into the ring by Hearn. It was announced that Klitschko and Joshua would face each other for the WBA (Super), IBF and vacant IBO titles at Wembley Stadium, London, on 29 April 2017.{{Cite web |url=http://boxingnewstv.com/anthony-joshua-vs-wladimir-klitschko-signed-april-29th/ |title=Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko signed for April 29th |last=Elliott |first=Ryan |website=Boxing News TV |date=11 December 2016 |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214181726/http://boxingnewstv.com/anthony-joshua-vs-wladimir-klitschko-signed-april-29th/ |url-status=dead }} WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza confirmed that the winner will have to face mandatory challenger Luis Ortiz next, with deadlines due to be set after the unification fight.{{Cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10703298/anthony-joshua-or-wladimir-klitschko-will-advance-to-meet-luis-ortiz-orders-wba |title=Anthony Joshua or Wladimir Klitschko will advance to meet Luis Ortiz, orders WBA |date=20 December 2016 |website=Sky Sports|access-date=21 December 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.newstalk.com/Luis-Ortiz-lined-up-to-face-winner-of-Anthony-Joshua-and-Wladimir-Klitschko-fight |title=Luis Ortiz lined up to face winner of Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko fight |date=20 December 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}} {{dead link|date=April 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} A day later the IBF announced the winner must fight their mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev. Because of this clashing with the WBA enforcing their mandatory, it was believed that either Joshua or Klitschko would have to vacate a title.{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/18331385/joshua-klitschko-winner-give-wba-ibf-world-title |title=Joshua-Klitschko winner to face world-title dilemma |publisher=ESPN|access-date=26 April 2017}} In January 2017, Eddie Hearn announced that over 80,000 tickets had been sold, a new box office record, overtaking Carl Froch vs. George Groves II. He put a request in for 5,000 more tickets to be made available.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/joshua-vs-klitschko-over-80000-tickets-sold--112709 |title=Joshua vs. Klitschko - Over 80,000 Tickets Sold |date=16 January 2017 |website=Boxing Scene|access-date=17 January 2017}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.ringtv.com/480652-joshuas-clash-klitschko-sells-80000-tix/ |title=JOSHUA'S CLASH WITH KLITSCHKO SELLS OVER 80,000 TIX |date=16 January 2017|access-date=17 January 2017}} At the weigh in, Klitschko weighed in at 240 and a quarter pounds, the lightest he has weighed since 2009. Joshua came in heavier at 250 pounds.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/joshua-weighs-250-pounds-klitschko-weighs-240-pounds--116071 |title=Joshua Weighs in at 250 Pounds; Klitschko Weighs 240¼ Pounds - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=28 April 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=28 April 2017}}

In front of a post-war record crowd of 90,000 in attendance, Joshua won by TKO in a high-drama contest that saw both men giving their all. They fought a close and cautious first four rounds. In the fifth, Joshua came out and threw a barrage of punches, forcing Klitschko to the canvas. An angry Klitschko rose up and dominated Joshua for the remainder of the round, before landing a clean right hand and scoring his own knockdown in round six. The next few rounds were again cautious, both men wary of each other, until a reinvigorated Joshua attacked Klitschko in round eleven with an upper-cut blow to the right side of Klitschko's face which would be the beginning of the end for the Ukrainian. Joshua then put together a few small but powerful combinations which sent his opponent to the canvas. Klitschko again rose but Joshua knocked him down for a second time in the round by unleashing a seven-punch combination, flooring Klitschko with a left hook. Moments later Joshua tried to end the fight by swinging a few right hooks and managed to back Klitschko into the ropes where he again sent a barrage of punches with no reply. The referee then concluded that Klitschko had taken enough punishment and stopped the fight.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/joshua-gets-off-floor-knocks-klitschko-out-eleventh-results--116122 |title=Joshua Gets Off The Floor, Knocks Klitschko Out in Eleventh - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=29 April 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=30 April 2017}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/ |title=BBC Sport|access-date=30 April 2017 |language=en-GB}}

At the time of stoppage, Joshua was ahead on two judges' scorecards at 96–93 and 95–93, while the third judge had Klitschko ahead 95–93. CompuBox stats showed that Joshua landed 107 of his 355 punches thrown (30.1%), and Klitschko landed 94 of 256 (36.7%).{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/19274886/anthony-joshua-defeats-wladimir-klitschko-11th-round-tko |title=Joshua rallies to stop Klitschko in 11th round |publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 April 2017}} In the post-fight interviews, Klitschko spoke about the rematch clause, but gave no indication as to whether he would activate it, "Of course we have a rematch in the contract. I need to analyze and see what the heck happened. I wish I could have raised my hands, but congrats to him. He got up, he fought back, and he won the titles."{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-best-man-won-its-really-sad-i-make-it--116127 |title=Klitschko: The Best Man Won, It's Really Sad That I Didn't Make It - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=29 April 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=30 April 2017}} In the press conference after the fight, Joshua said he would have no issues with having another fight with Klitschko, "I don't mind fighting him again, if he wants the rematch. Big respect to Wladimir for challenging the young lions of the division. It's up to him, I don't mind. As long as Rob thinks it's good I'm good to go." Eddie Hearn said Joshua's next fight would likely take place at the end of the year, possibly at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/joshua-on-board-klitschko-rematch-principality-stadium-eyed--116139 |title=Joshua On Board For Klitschko Rematch, Principality Stadium Eyed - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=30 April 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=30 April 2017}}

The fight averaged 659,000 viewers on Showtime in the United States. It was shown live and the fight began around 5 pm. ET and 2 pm. PT. Nielsen Media Research revealed the fight peaked at 687,000 viewers which was during rounds five and six.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/joshua-klitschko-live-broadcast-drew-659k-viewers-showtime--116176 |title=Joshua-Klitschko Live Broadcast Drew 659K Viewers for Showtime - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=May 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2 May 2017}} The delayed tape-replay on HBO was watched by an average 738,000 viewers and peaked at 890,000.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/hbo-replay-joshua-klitschko-peaked-890k-viewers--116199 |title=HBO's Replay of Joshua-Klitschko Peaked at 890K Viewers - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=2 May 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=3 May 2017}}{{Cite web |url=http://mmapayout.com/2017/05/joshua-klitschko-produce-ratings-on-both-showtime-and-hbo/ |title=Joshua-Klitschko produce ratings for Showtime and HBO : MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA |website=mmapayout.com|access-date=2 May 2017}} In a press release, German TV channel RTL announced the fight was watched by an average 10.43 million viewers. The whole card averaged 9.59 million viewers. This was higher than the 8.91 million that tuned in to watch Klitschko vs. Fury in 2015. The fight did lower numbers than Klitschko's win over Mariusz Wach in 2012, which was watched by 11 million and Klitschko vs. Haye, which was seen by over 16 million.{{Cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/5/1/15506436/boxing-news-showtime-ratings-joshua-klitschko-10-million-rtl-germany-uk-ppv-record |title=Ratings: Joshua-Klitschko pulls in 659k in US, exceeds 10 million in Germany |date=1 May 2017 |website=Bloody Elbow |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502013809/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/5/1/15506436/boxing-news-showtime-ratings-joshua-klitschko-10-million-rtl-germany-uk-ppv-record |url-status=dead }}

On 7 June 2017, the IBF granted Joshua an exception for him to rematch Klitschko instead of fighting mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev. At this point, it was not said that the rematch would take place. Klitschko said he needed time to review his situation before agreeing to a rematch. It was only weeks after the fight, when Eddie Hearn filed the paperwork to the IBF to request the exception to the mandatory defence. The IBF explained that the rematch must take place no later than 2 December 2017 and the winner must fight Pulev next with no exceptions.{{Cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/19564662/ibf-grants-anthony-joshua-exception-likely-rematch-wladimir-klitschko |title=Joshua given exception to mandatory defense |publisher=ESPN|access-date=10 June 2017}}

On 11 July 2017, Eddie Hearn travelled to the US to apply for a Nevada boxing licence for promoting and to also scout potential locations in Las Vegas speaking to MGM. He had a tour of the T-Mobile Arena. Although Nigeria, Dubai and China were discussed, Hearn warmed up to the idea of the fight taking place in Las Vegas.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/joshua-klitschko-ii-hearn-heads-vegas-speak-with-mgm--118389 |title=Joshua-Klitschko II: Hearn Heads To Vegas To Speak With MGM - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |language=en-us |access-date=29 July 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Hearn told Sky Sports, "We met with Richard Sturm and the team at MGM in Las Vegas yesterday and had a full tour of the T-Mobile Arena which is very impressive. There is a huge appetite from both sides to hold the rematch there and we will be talking further over the next week or so to see if that can become a reality."{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/joshua-klitschko-rematch-land-t-mobile-arena--118469 |title=Joshua-Klitschko Rematch Could Land at T-Mobile Arena - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=13 July 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=29 July 2017}} Showtime's Stephen Espinoza said a deal could be reached quickly, as he was also eager to get Joshua, who was in contract with Showtime, to fight in US, "It's no secret we've been salivating about getting him over here and certainly that would be a phenomenal fight. It would be the biggest heavyweight Vegas fight in probably a couple of decades, so we would love to host it."{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/showtime-espinoza-joshua-klitschko-ii-decision-getting-close--118538 |title=SHO's Espinoza: Joshua-Klitschko II Decision is Getting Close - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=15 July 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=29 July 2017}} On 25 July, Hearn pencilled on 11 November 2017 for the rematch to take place at the T-Mobile Arena.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/hearn-confident-joshua-klitschko-rematch-1111-vegas--118824 |title=Hearn Confident Joshua-Klitschko Rematch Will Be 11/11 in Vegas - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=25 July 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=29 July 2017}} It was reported the fight could be pay-per-view in the US.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/joshua-klitschko-rematch-on-ppv-united-states--118915 |title=Joshua-Klitschko Rematch Could Be on PPV in United States - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=27 July 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=29 July 2017}}

On 3 August 2017, Klitschko announced on his official website and social media channels that he was retiring from boxing.{{Cite web |url=https://klitschko.com/en/decision |title=Decision |website=Klitschko.com |date=3 August 2017|access-date=3 August 2017 |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |url=http://k-mg.de/en/news/view/?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=276&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=53d76edcbfbb781639eb3a28a2d61b32 |title=WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO ENDS HIS BOXING CAREER |date=3 August 2017|access-date=3 August 2017 |language=en-us|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803172031/http://k-mg.de/en/news/view/?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=276&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=53d76edcbfbb781639eb3a28a2d61b32|url-status=dead}} He ended his professional career with 64 wins in 69 fights, 53 by knockout. He competed in 29 world title fights.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/40811881 |title=Wladimir Klitschko retires and will not fight Anthony Joshua in rematch |date=3 August 2017 |work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 August 2017 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-retires-from-boxing-joshua-rematch-off--119132 |title=Wladimir Klitschko Retires From Boxing - Boxing News |website=boxingscene.com |date=3 August 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=5 August 2017}}

File:Klitschko brothers 2010 Ukraine stamp.jpg

During Klitschko's reign as world heavyweight champion, his fights would reportedly draw up to 500 million viewers worldwide.{{efn|name=note1}} Klitschko has been named multiple times among the 100 highest paid athletes in the world by Forbes: he was ranked 24th in 2012 (Forbes estimated his earnings at $28 million between June 2011 and June 2012), 41st in 2013 ($24 million), 25th in 2014 ($28 million), 63rd in 2015 ($22.5 million) and 98th in 2017 ($21.5 million).{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45igdi/24-wladimir-klitschko/?sh=17dc10374b33#gallerycontent |title=Forbes 100 Highest Paid Athletes: #24 Wladimir Klitschko|access-date=2 December 2020}}{{cite news |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45mmlg/41-wladimir-klitschko/ |title=Forbes 100 Highest Paid Athletes: #41 Wladimir Klitschko|access-date=2 December 2020}}{{cite news |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45eimdj/25-wladimir-klitschko/ |title=Forbes 100 Highest Paid Athletes: #25 Wladimir Klitschko|access-date=2 December 2020}}{{cite news |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45fdide/63-wladimir-klitschko/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613023736/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45fdide/63-wladimir-klitschko/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 June 2015 |title=Forbes 100 Highest Paid Athletes: #63 Wladimir Klitschko|access-date=2 December 2020}}{{cite news |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45ffmhh/98-wladimir-klitschko/ |title=Forbes 100 Highest Paid Athletes: #98 Wladimir Klitschko|access-date=2 December 2020}} Klitschko was unranked by Forbes in 2016, despite the fact that he reportedly earned $22.5 million for the fight against Tyson Fury in November 2015 alone (100th-ranked Buster Posey earned $20.8 million; 85th-ranked Conor McGregor earned $22 million).{{cite news |url=https://sport.segodnya.ua/sport/football/glavnye-bogachi-sporta-bolshe-vseh-zarabatyvayut-klichko-i-yarmolenko-svitolina-nomer-odin-u-devushek-674084.html |title=Главные богачи спорта: больше всех зарабатывают Кличко и Ярмоленко, Свитолина – номер один у девушек|access-date=2 December 2020 |language=ru}}{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2016/06/08/the-worlds-100-highest-paid-athletes-2016-by-the-numbers/?sh=7d04589a57eb |title=The World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes 2016: By The Numbers|access-date=2 December 2020}} Wladimir Klitschko's total professional career earnings' estimations vary between €150 million and $250 million.{{Cite web |url=https://sportarena.com/boxing/umom-i-kulakami-vladimir-klichko-zarabotal-150/ |title=Умом и кулаками: Владимир Кличко заработал 150 миллионов евро за карьеру |website=sportarena.com |date=11 July 2019|access-date=28 July 2020 |language=ru}}{{Cite web |url=https://sport.24tv.ua/ru/vladimir_klichko_zarabotal_150_millionov_evro_za_kareru_n1177970 |title=Владимир Кличко заработал 150 миллионов евро за карьеру |website=sport.24tv.ua|date=11 July 2019 |access-date=28 July 2020 |language=ru}}{{Cite web |url=https://sport.nv.ua/ukr/boxing/volodimir-klichko-skilki-zarobiv-za-svoyu-kar-yeru-50031579.html |title=ЗМІ порахували, скільки за кар'єру боксера заробив Володимир Кличко |website=sport.nv.ua|date=11 July 2019 |access-date=24 May 2024 |language=uk}}{{Cite web |url=https://klitschko-brothers.com/novosti/smi-vladimir-klichko-zarabotal-150-millionov-evro-za-kareru.html |title=СМИ: Владимир Кличко заработал 150 миллионов евро за карьеру |website=klitschko-brothers.com |date=11 July 2019 |access-date=28 July 2020 |language=ru |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728095552/https://klitschko-brothers.com/novosti/smi-vladimir-klichko-zarabotal-150-millionov-evro-za-kareru.html |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.profiboxing.cz/profiring/legendy-ringu/vladimir-klicko-ukrajinsky-kral-ktery-stejne-tak-rozdeloval-i-spojoval-patri-mezi-legendy |title=Vladimir Kličko: ukrajinský král, který stejně tak rozděloval i spojoval. Je legendou? |website=profiboxing.cz|access-date=23 March 2021 |language=Czech}} Known for charity work and philanthropy, Wladimir is one of only 15 current or former alive athletes that have been named UNESCO Champions for Sport.{{Cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/goodwill-ambassadors/champions-for-sport/ |title=Champions for Sport |publisher=UNESCO|access-date=3 December 2020}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/document-2946 |title=Ukrainian Boxers Vitality and Wladimir Klitschko named UNESCO Champion for Sport |date=26 February 2013 |publisher=UNESCO|access-date=3 December 2020}}{{Cite web |url=http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID%3D36314%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D201.html |title=Vitaly and Wladimir Klitschko designated UNESCO Champions for Sport |access-date=31 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091111122427/http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID%3D36314%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D201.html |archive-date=11 November 2009 |url-status=dead}}

Considered national heroes in Ukraine, in 2008 the Klitschko brothers were ranked number 15 in Inter's list of the 100 Greatest Ukrainians following a nation-wide poll that saw around 2.5 million people casting their votes.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDFqF5rZtvc | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/wDFqF5rZtvc| archive-date=29 October 2021|title=Великі Українці - сто великих українців від 19 до 1 | date=3 January 2016|via=YouTube|access-date=23 November 2020 |language=uk}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/1118306.html |title=У проекті "Великі Українці" на телеканалі "Інтер" переміг князь Ярослав Мудрий |newspaper=Радіо Свобода|date=29 May 2008 |access-date=23 November 2020 |language=uk |last1=Свобода |first1=Радіо }}{{Cite web |url=https://zaxid.net/yaroslav_mudriy_mikola_amosov_stepan_bandera__veliki_ukrayintsi_n1053992 |title=Ярослав Мудрий, Микола Амосов, Степан Бандера - ВЕЛИКІ УКРАЇНЦІ |website=zaxid.net|date=17 May 2008 |access-date=23 November 2020 |language=uk}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.unian.ua/society/116673-veliki-ukrajintsi-yaroslav-mudriy-obiyshov-banderu.html |title="Великі Українці": Ярослав Мудрий обійшов Бандеру |website=unian.ua|date=17 May 2008 |access-date=23 November 2020 |language=uk}} Boxing fights involving one of the Klitschko brothers regularly attracted between 10 and 20 million viewers in Ukraine; Wladimir's fight against Alexander Povetkin generated even bigger viewership numbers, attracting 23 million viewers.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-snnmwEACAAJ |last1=Linder |first1=Leo G. |title=Die Klitschkos |year=2013 |publisher=Neues Leben, Verlag |place=Germany| publication-date=1 December 2013 |isbn=978-33-550-1817-3}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spiegel.de/consent-a-?targetUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiegel.de%2Fsport%2Fsonst%2Fboxen-witali-klitschko-in-kiew-geehrt-a-47635.html|title=Witali Klitschko in Kiew geehrt|access-date=31 October 2020|language=de}} Wladimir has been named multiple times among the 100 most influential people in Ukraine by Korrespondent: he was ranked 95th in 2006, 88th in 2010, 43rd in 2011, 51st in 2012 and 45th in 2013.{{cite news |url=https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/politics/1251989-top-100-zhurnala-korrespondent-polnyj-spisok-samyh-vliyatelnyh-ukraincev |title=ТОП-100 журнала Корреспондент. Полный список самых влиятельных украинцев|access-date=9 November 2020 |language=ru}}{{cite news |url=https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/politics/1389595-top-100-izdaniya-korrespondent-polnyj-spisok-samyh-vliyatelnyh-lyudej-ukrainy |title=ТОП-100 журнала Корреспондент. Полный список самых влиятельных людей Украины|access-date=12 November 2020 |language=ru}}{{cite news |url=https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/politics/1595038-top-100-zhurnala-korrespondent-polnyj-spisok-samyh-vliyatelnyh-lyudej-ukrainy |title=ТОП-100 журнала Корреспондент. Полный список самых влиятельных людей Украины|access-date=9 November 2020 |language=ru}} Forbes named Klitschko the most popular celebrity in Ukraine in 2015, placing him ahead of a singer Svyatoslav Vakarchuk and Kvartal 95 Studio, and ranked him second and third in 2012 and 2013 respectively (the ranking wasn't conducted in 2014).{{Cite web |url=https://www.capital.ua/ru/news/57754-forbes-nazval-vladimira-klichko-samym-dorogim-i-populyarnym-ukraintsem |title=Forbes назвал Владимира Кличко самым дорогим и популярным украинцем |website=capital.ua|date=24 December 2015 |access-date=3 November 2020 |language=ru}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.segodnya.ua/lifestyle/showbiz/top-10-samyh-dorogih-i-samyh-populyarnyh-zvezd-ukrainy-677862.html |title=ТОП-10 самых дорогих и самых популярных звезд Украины |website=segodnya.ua|access-date=3 November 2020 |language=ru}}{{Cite web |url=https://korrespondent.net/showbiz/music/1433636-forbes-nazval-samyh-uspeshnyh-zvezd-ukrainskogo-shou-biznesa |title=Forbes назвал самых успешных звезд украинского шоу-бизнеса |website=korrespondent.net|access-date=3 November 2020 |language=ru}}{{Cite web |url=https://korrespondent.net/business/career/3281562-reitynh-zvezd-2013-Forbesua |title=Рейтинг звезд 2013 - Forbes.ua |website=korrespondent.net|access-date=3 November 2020 |language=ru}} In 2017, Wladimir was honoured with the Order of Liberty, the highest Ukrainian honour that can be awarded to a person of any nationality, for his achievements in sports and contribution to the economical, scientific and cultural development of Ukraine.{{Cite web |url=https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/251/2017#Text |title=Указ Президента України Про відзначення державними нагородами України з нагоди Дня незалежності України |publisher=Verkhovna Rada|access-date=1 December 2020 |language=uk}}

The Klitschkos were also considered big stars in Germany.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-how-the-klitschkos-came-to-rule-german-fight-game-2303979.html |title=Boxing: How the Klitschkos came to rule German fight game|access-date=6 November 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/23/sports/othersports/23boxing.html |title=In Germany, Boxing Finds Appreciation and a Hub|newspaper=The New York Times |date=23 February 2008 |access-date=6 November 2020|last1=Kulish |first1=Nicholas }}{{cite news |url=https://xsport.ua/boxing_s/news/v-germanii-bratev-klichko-znala-kazhdaya-babushka-istorii-o-raskrutke-ukraintsev-dlya-nemetskoy-publ_2293232/ |title="В Германии братьев Кличко знала каждая бабушка". Истории о раскрутке украинцев для немецкой публики |access-date=6 November 2020 |language=ru |archive-date=18 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818150143/https://xsport.ua/boxing_s/news/v-germanii-bratev-klichko-znala-kazhdaya-babushka-istorii-o-raskrutke-ukraintsev-dlya-nemetskoy-publ_2293232/ |url-status=dead }} A survey carried out by TNS for the Horizont Sport Business in 2003 showed that 91.7% of Germans recognized Wladimir Klitschko while 70.5% celebrated his successes, making him the fourth most recognized and third most beloved athlete in Germany at the time.{{cite news |url=https://www.dfv.de/presse/aktuellemitteilungen/Sven-Hannawald-ist-der-beliebteste-deutsche-Sportler-596 |title=Sven Hannawald ist der beliebteste deutsche Sportler|access-date=7 November 2020 |language=de}} According to DW, another research conducted no later than 2011 showed that nearly 99% of people in Germany recognized the Klitschko brothers.{{cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/ru/кличко-в-кино-славные-парни-с-железными-кулаками/a-15161256 |title=Кличко в кино: славные парни с железными кулаками|access-date=2 November 2020 |language=ru}} The CPI Index conducted by the agency Celebrity Performance in 2012 had the Klitschkos ranked second on the list of the most marketable celebrities in Germany,{{cite news |url=https://www.horizont.net/medien/nachrichten/-Ranking-Werbemuffel-Guenther-Jauch-ist-beliebtestes-Testimonial-111369 |title=Ranking: "Werbemuffel" Günther Jauch ist beliebtestes Testimonial|access-date=17 November 2020 |language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/medien/celebrities-klopp-der-aufsteiger-der-testimonials/7406308-2.html |title=Klopp: Der Aufsteiger der Testimonials|access-date=22 November 2020 |language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://ixtenso.de/retail-marketing/markenwert-steigern-mit-prominenten-testimonials.html |title=Markenwert steigern mit prominenten Testimonials|access-date=22 November 2020 |language=de}} while in January 2014, based on a survey of 1151 respondents that was conducted by the same agency, the Klitschko brothers were ranked 6th in the "2013 Person of the Year" category.{{cite news |url=https://www.horizont.net/marketing/nachrichten/Promiranking-Angela-Merkel-ueberstrahlt-alle-VIPs--118675 |title=Angela Merkel outshines all VIPs|access-date=22 November 2020 |language=de}} Twelve of his fights generated above 10 million average viewers, and his world heavyweight title defence against Eddie Chambers in March 2010 drew bigger viewership numbers on RTL than the return of the Formula One legend voted the greatest German athlete of the 20th century{{Cite web |date=20 November 2004 |title=Schumacher voted German's sportsman of the century |url=http://www.pitpass.com/22921/Schumacher-voted-Germans-sportsman-of-the-century|access-date=27 February 2021 |website=Pitpass}}{{cite news |url=https://www.presseportal.de/pm/7840/619711 |title=6.11 million viewers watched the Athlete of the Century show by ZDF |date=22 November 2004|access-date=23 April 2021 |language=de}} Michael Schumacher.{{cite news |url=https://www.dwdl.de/zahlenzentrale/25284/ber_12_mio_zuschauer_klitschko_schlgt_alle/ |title=Über 12 Mio. Zuschauer: Klitschko schlägt alle|access-date=6 November 2020 |language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.t-online.de/sport/boxen/id_41107002/wladimir-klitschko-besser-als-michael-schumacher.html |title=Wladimir Klitschko besser als Michael Schumacher|access-date=6 November 2020 |language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.horizont.net/medien/nachrichten/-Marktanteile-im-Maerz-Boxen-und-Formel-1-befluegeln-RTL-91251?thankyou=true&login=1 |title=Marktanteile im März: Boxen und Formel 1 beflügeln RTL|access-date=6 November 2020 |language=de}}

Credited for selling out sports stadiums,{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/23/sports/wladimir-klitschko-seeks-recognition-of-himself-and-ukraine.html|title=Wladimir Klitschko Seeks Recognition of Himself and Ukraine|work=The New York Times |date=22 April 2015 |access-date=23 September 2023 |last1=Depaolo |first1=Joe }}{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/07/05/wladimir-klitschko-tony-thompson|title=Wladimir Klitschko is on a roll and don't expect Thompson to stop him|access-date=23 September 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/20233046/wladimir-klitschko-retires-boxing-fight-anthony-joshua-rematch|title=Wladimir Klitschko announces retirement from boxing|access-date=23 September 2023}} Klitschko had eight of his fights take place at sports stadiums in Germany, Switzerland and United Kingdom, with all but one having attendances ranging from 43,000 to 90,000.{{cite news |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/sport/wo-sind-die-gegner-6743668.html|title=Klitschkos K.O.-Sieg: Wo sind die Gegner?|access-date=23 September 2023|language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/sport/article107851810/Wladimir-Klitschko-vollzieht-die-Pruegelstrafe.html|title=Wladimir Klitschko vollzieht die Prugelstrafe|access-date=23 September 2023|language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.shz.de/sport/weitere-sportarten/artikel/der-stahlhammer-hat-wieder-zugeschlagen-41315925|title=Der "Stahlhammer" hat wieder zugeschlagen|access-date=23 September 2023|language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2009/06/21/klitschko-chagaev|title=No longer a doubt: Boxing has its legitimate heavyweight champion|access-date=23 September 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2009/06/21/klitschko-chagaev|title=No longer a doubt: Boxing has its legitimate heavyweight champion|access-date=23 September 2023|language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.spiegel.de/sport/sonst/wm-boxkampf-gegen-chambers-klitschko-verteidigt-titel-gegen-fast-eddie-a-684813.html|title=Klitschko verteidigt Titel gegen "Fast Eddie"|access-date=23 September 2023|language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.spiegel.de/sport/sonst/klitschkos-50-k-o-engtanzparty-mit-klar-verteilten-rollen-a-819139.html|title=Engtanzparty mit klar verteilten Rollen|access-date=23 September 2023|language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/39748791|title=Anthony Joshua stops Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round at Wembley|access-date=23 September 2023}}

During his career, Wladimir defeated 23 boxers for the world heavyweight championship, the most in boxing history.{{cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Most_Opponents_Beaten_for_World_Heavyweight_Title |title=Most Opponents Beaten for World Heavyweight Title|access-date=28 November 2020}} Klitschko holds several historical records, including the longest combined world championship reign in heavyweight history at 4,382 days (12 years);{{cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Longest_Combined_World_Heavyweight_Title_Reigns |title=Longest Combined World Heavyweight Title Reigns|access-date=28 November 2020}} the most beaten opponents and wins in world heavyweight title bouts since the international expansion of boxing governing bodies, at 23 and 25 respectively;{{cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Most_Opponents_Beaten_for_World_Heavyweight_Title_%E2%80%93_Era_Of_International_Expansion_(1949%E2%80%93present) |title=Most Opponents Beaten for World Heavyweight Title – Era Of International Expansion (1949–present)|access-date=28 November 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Most_Wins_in_World_Heavyweight_Title_Fights_%E2%80%93_Era_Of_International_Expansion_(1949%E2%80%93present) |title=Most Wins in World Heavyweight Title Fights – Era Of International Expansion (1949–present)|access-date=28 November 2020}} the most wins in unified title bouts and the longest unified championship reign in professional boxing history at 15 title bouts and 14 consecutive defences respectively. He has the second most total successful title defences of any heavyweight boxer with 23 (including his first reign as WBO champion), behind Joe Louis (25) and ahead of Larry Holmes (20) and Muhammad Ali (19) and the third most consecutive title defenses in heavyweight history. Klitschko fought in 29 world heavyweight title fights, more than any other boxer in history.{{cite web |url=https://www.ringtv.com/494964-wladimir-klitschko-and-the-world-title-bout-title-reign-kings/ |title=WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO AND THE WORLD TITLE BOUT, TITLE-REIGN KINGS |date=25 April 2017|access-date=13 May 2020 |publisher=The Ring}}

As of April 2025, BoxRec ranks Wladimir Klitschko as the 69th greatest boxer of all time, pound for pound.{{cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/ratings?r%5Brole%5D=box-pro&r%5Bsex%5D=M&r%5Bstatus%5D=&r%5Bdivision%5D=&r%5Bcountry%5D=&r_go=&offset=50|title=BoxRec ratings: all locations, lb for lb, active and inactive|access-date=14 August 2022 |publisher=BoxRec}} According to BoxRec, Klitschko has also defeated 12 previously undefeated fighters with a combined record 267–0–5 (174 KOs) – these 12 included Najee Shaheed (professional record 16–0–1, 8 KOs coming into the fight),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/8345/12670 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Shaheed|access-date=11 December 2020}} Zoran Vujicic (14–0, 6 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/8594/13099 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Vujicic|access-date=11 December 2020}} Eliseo Castillo (18–0–1, 14 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/444584/922989 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Castillo|access-date=11 December 2020}} Samuel Peter (24–0, 21 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/454334/990950 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Peter|access-date=11 December 2020}} Calvin Brock (29–0, 22 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/499326/1105384 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Brock|access-date=11 December 2020}} Sultan Ibragimov (22–0–1, 17 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/539403/1243536 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Ibragimov|access-date=11 December 2020}} Ruslan Chagaev (25–0–1, 17 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/573817/1421575 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Chagaev|access-date=11 December 2020}} Mariusz Wach (27–0, 15 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/651188/1728572 |title=Bout: Bout: Klitschko vs Wach|access-date=11 December 2020}} Francesco Pianeta (28–0–1, 15 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/666897/1781609 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Pianeta|access-date=11 December 2020}} Alexander Povetkin (26–0, 18 KOs),{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/672143/1802390 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Povetkin|access-date=11 December 2020}} Kubrat Pulev (20–0, 11 KOs){{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/695409/1917998 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Pulev|access-date=11 December 2020}} and Bryant Jennings (19–0, 10 KOs).{{Cite web |url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/705549/1942392 |title=Bout: Klitschko vs Jennings|access-date=11 December 2020}} Wladimir has beaten 9 current or former world champions throughout his career. These included heavyweight champions Chris Byrd (twice), Ray Mercer, Lamon Brewster, Samuel Peter (twice), Sultan Ibragimov, Hasim Rahman and Ruslan Chagaev, two-weight world champion David Haye and unified cruiserweight champion Jean-Marc Mormeck.

Known for his punching power, Klitschko defeated his opponent inside the distance 56 times in 69 fights, an 81% knockout-to-win ratio (this includes two DQs and one TD). Of his thirteen remaining bouts, four involved an opponent that Klitschko knocked out in a rematch (Everett Martin, Chris Byrd, Lamon Brewster, and Samuel Peter), three saw him knock his opponent down multiple times on the way to a wide decision victory (David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, and the first fight against Chris Byrd), two saw Klitschko hurt and knock down his opponent before being knocked out himself (Anthony Joshua and the first fight with Lamon Brewster), and three involved fighters who have never been knocked out by anyone before or after in all of their professional careers (Tyson Fury, Sultan Ibragimov, and Ross Puritty).

Analyzing his legacy, Dan Rafael wrote that Klitschko proved himself to be an all-time great heavyweight, and that his legacy will be viewed more favourably as time passes, comparing him to Lennox Lewis in that regard. Rafael believes that Klitschko's 22-fight winning streak from 2004 to 2015, which included unifying three titles, cemented his legacy among the greatest of all time. Klitschko was criticized for his cautious boxing style, but Rafael argues that a lack of exciting fights is not equal to lack of quality. He also believes that the alleged weakness of the era in which Klitschko competed is overexaggerated, arguing that only two eras in heavyweight boxing, the 1970s and 1990s, could be considered great eras, and that Klitschko's era is no weaker than that of Mike Tyson who made only half as many title defenses as Wladimir did. Despite this, Rafael insists that Wladimir still has a lot of quality opponents on his resume, such as Chris Byrd, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, Calvin Brock, Sultan Ibragimov and Ruslan Chagaev, and that those wins should not be dismissed due to their one-sided nature; in fact, it only emphasizes the quality of Klitschko's boxing skills and in-ring intelligence.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/20349834/right-appreciate-wladimir-klitschko-great-career|title=It's the right time to appreciate Wladimir Klitschko's all-time great career|work=ESPN |date=15 August 2017}} Rafael wrote that even though Klitschko suffered some bad losses, the totality of his career must be considered.

In 2021, Klitschko was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, having been elected over Miguel Cotto and James Toney by a panel of around 200 international boxing historians.

Klitschko is also a passionate golfer and was seen playing in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. The tournament was played over three courses in 2008 including St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns in Fife and Angus. Klitschko was named curator of the Ukrainian pavilion at the 2009 Venice Biennale.[http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/06/08/biennale.di.venezia/index.html Venice Biennale: The 'Olympic Games of the art world']. Edition.cnn.com (9 June 2009). Retrieved 19 June 2011.

As of October 2015, Klitschko was an adjunct professor at Switzerland's University of St. Gallen, where he taught master's students.{{Cite web|title=CAS Change & Innovation Management {{!}} Executive School HSG|url=https://www.es.unisg.ch/en/node/133|access-date=7 November 2021|website=www.es.unisg.ch}}

File:Klitschko-gesf-2018-7931 (cropped).jpg

From 2009, Klitschko was in a relationship with American actress Hayden Panettiere. Panettiere has appeared ringside at some of Klitschko's fights, including at Klitschko's 10th-round KO victory over Samuel Peter.{{cite news |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-01-05/gossip/17943584_1_wladimir-klitschko-bora-bora-touch-weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322093616/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-01-05/gossip/17943584_1_wladimir-klitschko-bora-bora-touch-weekly |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 March 2011 |title=Hayden Panettiere Gets Cozy with Boxing Champ Wladimir Klitschko in Miami |last=Eisinger |first=Amy |date=5 January 2010 |publisher=nydailynews.comcom |location=New York}} The couple had a brief split in 2011, but were together again in 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-hayden-panettiere-wladimir-klitschko-glamour-20130402,0,5900835.story |title=Hayden Panettiere opens up about beau Wladimir Klitschko |date=2 April 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2 April 2013}} In October 2013, Panettiere confirmed that she and Klitschko were engaged.{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/hayden-panettiere-engaged/story?id=20516110 |title=Hayden Panettiere Is Engaged! |last=Messer |first=Lesley |date=9 October 2013 |publisher=ABC News|access-date=9 October 2013}} They have one child together, a daughter, born in December 2014.{{cite web |url=https://tv.yahoo.com/news/hayden-panettiere-wladimir-klitschko-welcome-172800872.html |title=Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko Welcome Baby Girl |date=13 December 2014 |publisher=Yahoo!}} In August 2018, according to Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, the couple had split for a second time.{{Cite news|url=http://perezhilton.com/2018-08-03-hayden-panettiere-wladimir-klitschko-breakup-split-mother-confirms|title=Hayden Panettiere & Wladimir Klitschko Split After 9 Years!|access-date=4 August 2018|archive-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817121026/http://perezhilton.com/2018-08-03-hayden-panettiere-wladimir-klitschko-breakup-split-mother-confirms|url-status=dead}} They were said to be on 'good terms' for the sake of their daughter.{{Cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/hayden-panettiere-wladimir-klitschko-split-13030136 |title=Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko 'split' as she's seen with mystery man |last=Shenton |first=Zoe |date=4 August 2018 |work=mirror|access-date=4 August 2018}}

On 6 December 2013, Klitschko and his then-fiancée Hayden Panettiere visited the Euromaidan-protests in Kyiv.[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/179907.html Panettiere on Euromaidan: I have a lot of respect for people who come out for what they believe in], Interfax-Ukraine (6 December 2013) His brother Vitali was one of the leading figures of these protests.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25182823 Why do Ukraine protests matter?], BBC News (3 December 2013)[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/179061.html Activists pitching army tents at Independence Square in Kyiv], Interfax-Ukraine (3 December 2013) He and Panettiere addressed the crowds.{{in lang|ru}}

[http://news.liga.net/video/politics/937731-vladimir_klichko_i_khayden_panetteri_na_evromaydane_video.htm Владимир Кличко и Хайден Панеттьери на Евромайдане: видео Wladimir Klitschko and] Hayden Panettiere on Euromaidan: video, LIGA.net, 7 December 2013.

Wladimir and his brother Vitali have never fought each other in a professional fight as their mother made them promise to never fight each other.{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/08/sport/wladimir-klitschko-boxing-ukraine/ |title=Wladimir Klitschko: Iron Curtain no barrier for 'Dr. Steelhammer' |date=8 April 2015 |publisher=CNN |author=Gary Morley and Matt Vigil|access-date=4 January 2017}}

Klitschko speaks four languages: English, German, Russian, and Ukrainian.[http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/40815484 "Five facts about boxer Wladimir Klitschko"]. BBC Sport. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2017. He was friends with the late German heavyweight legend Max Schmeling.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/34871218 "Klitschko v Fury: Has Wladimir really killed heavyweight boxing?"]. BBC Sport. BBC. 23 November 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2017.

On 29 March 2012, during a charitable auction in Kyiv, Ukraine, Klitschko auctioned off his 1996 Olympic gold medal to a buyer who bid $1 million. Klitschko said he would use the money to help the dreams of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children. After the sale, the buyer immediately returned the medal out of respect for Klitschko and because he wanted it to remain with the Klitschko family.Ruslan Chikov (29 March 2012). [http://www.boxingscene.com/w-klitschkos-gold-medal-grabs-1-million-charity-event--51202 W. Klitschko's Gold Medal Grabs $1 Million at Charity Event], Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 8 July 2012.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140227190703/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hLUmLz3C9OAjiKvD9VX8eBt0TIJg?docId=CNG.e8f28d11eaabfa59d4b6cc7c228837de.141 Boxer Klitschko auctions gold medal for $1 million]. Retrieved 28 December 2014.

In February 2022, Klitschko joined the Kyiv Territorial Defense Brigade (a military reserve component of the Ukrainian Armed Forces).{{in lang|uk}} [https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/2/7322564/ The younger Klitschko joined Kyiv's defense], Ukrayinska Pravda (2 February 2022) Both he and his brother Vitali Klitschko, who has been Mayor of Kyiv since 2014, pledged to fight to protect the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, through armed forces, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine that began on 24 February 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/klitschko-brothers-take-up-arms-fight-ukraine-2022-02-25/|title=Klitschko brothers to take up arms and fight for Ukraine|work=Reuters|date=24 February 2022|access-date=24 February 2022}}{{Cite web|date=24 February 2022|title=HOF boxers Klitschko brothers to fight for Ukraine|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/33363582/former-heavyweight-champion-vitali-klitschko-plans-fight-ukraine-brother|access-date=25 February 2022|publisher=ESPN|language=en}} According to The Times, Wladimir and Vitali were on Vladimir Putin's personal hitlist of 24 high-profile Ukrainian figures whom he wanted assassinated.{{cite news |url=https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/intervyu-iz-vitaliyem-i-volodymyrom-klychkamy/32283026.html|title="Росія руйнує життя мільйонів людей": інтерв'ю із Віталієм і Володимиром Кличками|date=22 February 2023|access-date=12 April 2023|publisher=Radio Svoboda |language=uk}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/vitali-klitschko-the-heavyweight-on-putins-hitlist-w8hxz6hmc|title=Vitali Klitschko: the heavyweight on Putin's hitlist|date=22 February 2023|access-date=12 April 2023|work=The Times}}

On 10 March 2022, the brothers announced via Telegram that they had raised €100 million of financial support for Ukraine with a fundraising campaign in Germany.{{cite news |url=https://www.rnd.de/politik/spenden-fuer-ukraine-klitschko-brueder-sammeln-100-millionen-euro-in-deutschland-WMXSGAHALNA4LLXZAVPAO2HM6I.html|title=Klitschko-Brüder sammeln in Deutschland 100 Millionen Euro für Spenden an die Ukraine|date=10 March 2022|access-date=26 August 2023|work=RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland}}

In November 2024, Klitschko issued a request to American podcast host Joe Rogan to have him on his show in order to discuss their differences regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Klitschko accused Rogan of "repeating Russian propaganda."{{Cite web |last=Pengelly |first=Martin |date=25 November 2024 |title=Ukrainian boxing champ Wladimir Klitschko calls out Rogan for 'repeating Russian propaganda' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/25/wladimir-klitschko-joe-rogan-ukraine-russia |access-date=26 November 2024 |website=The Guardian}}

{{BoxingRecordSummary

|ko-wins=53

|ko-losses=4

|dec-wins=9

|dec-losses=1

|dq-wins=2

}}

• WBA (Unified and Super) heavyweight champion{{Efn|Primary champion throughout his reign. Promoted to Super champion in August 2011.|name=e}} (200+ lbs)
• IBF heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
• WBO heavyweight champion (200+ lbs) (2×)

• The Ring heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)

• WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight champion (200+ lbs) (2×)
• WBC International heavyweight champion (200+ lbs) (2×)
• European heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
• NABF heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
• NABO heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
• IBO heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)

• WBO Super Champion

File:Boxing Germany TV average viewership-1.jpg

{{Reflist|1|group=nb}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{Sports links}}
• [http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/wladimir.htm CBZ Profile]
• [https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/20233046/wladimir-klitschko-retires-boxing-fight-anthony-joshua-rematch ESPN.com]
• {{IMDb name}}
• [http://grantland.com/features/vitali-wladimir-klitschko/ Real Stories: Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko] at Grantland

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sports}} }}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Ike Ibeabuchi}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBC International
heavyweight champion

|years=14 February 1998 – 5 December 1998}}

{{s-aft|after=Ross Puritty}}

{{s-vac|last=Donovan Ruddock}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBA Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion

|years=17 July 1999 – October 2000
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Vitali Klitschko}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Vitali Klitschko}}

{{s-ttl|title=European heavyweight champion

|years=25 September 1999 – October 2000
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Vitali Klitschko}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Ross Puritty}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBC International
heavyweight champion

|years=18 March 2000 – April 2000
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Henry Akinwande}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Vitali Klitschko}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBA Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion

|years=30 August 2003 – April 2004
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Nikolay Valuev}}

{{s-bef|before=Samuel Peter}}

{{s-ttl|title=NABF heavyweight champion

|years=24 September 2005 – April 2006
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Samuel Peter}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=DaVarryl Williamson}}

{{s-ttl|title=NABO heavyweight champion

|years=24 September 2005 – April 2006
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Shannon Briggs}}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Minor world boxing titles}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Lennox Lewis}}

{{s-ttl|title=IBO heavyweight champion

|years=22 April 2006 – 28 November 2015}}

{{s-aft|after=Tyson Fury}}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Major world boxing titles}}

{{s-bef|rows=2|before=Chris Byrd}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO heavyweight champion

|years=14 October 2000 – 8 March 2003}}

{{s-aft|after=Corrie Sanders}}

{{s-ttl|title=IBF heavyweight champion

|years=22 April 2006 – 28 November 2015}}

{{s-aft|rows=3|after=Tyson Fury}}

{{s-bef|before=Sultan Ibragimov}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO heavyweight champion

|years=23 February 2008 – 28 November 2015}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Vitali Klitschko}}

{{s-ttl|title=The Ring heavyweight champion

|years=20 June 2009 – 28 November 2015}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-new|reason=Unified against David Haye}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBA heavyweight champion
Unified title

|years=2 July 2011 – August 2011
Status changed}}

{{s-vac|next=Tyson Fury}}

{{s-new}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBA heavyweight champion
Super title

|years=August 2011 – 28 November 2015}}

{{s-aft|after=Tyson Fury}}

{{s-ach|aw}}

{{s-before|before=Adonis Stevenson
{{small|TKO1 Chad Dawson}} }}

{{s-ttl|title=ESPN Knockout of the Year
{{small|KO5 Kubrat Pulev}}

|years=2014}}

{{s-after|after=Canelo Álvarez
{{small|KO3 James Kirkland}} }}

{{s-before|rows=2|before={{nowrap|Francisco Vargas vs.}}
Orlando Salido}}

{{s-ttl|title=The Ring Fight of the Year
{{small|vs. Anthony Joshua}}

|years=2017}}

{{s-after|after=Canelo Álvarez vs.
Gennady Golovkin II}}

{{s-ttl|title=BWAA Fight of the Year
{{small|vs. Anthony Joshua}}

|years=2017}}

{{s-after|after={{nowrap|Jarrett Hurd vs.}}
Erislandy Lara}}

{{s-before|before={{nowrap|Dillian Whyte vs.}}
Derek Chisora
{{small|Round 5}} }}

{{s-ttl|title=ESPN Round of the Year
{{small|vs. Anthony Joshua}}
{{small|Round 5}}

|years=2017}}

{{s-after|after={{nowrap|Alex Saucedo vs.}}
Lenny Zappavigna
{{small|Round 4}} }}

{{s-ach|rec}}

{{s-before|before=Joe Louis
{{small|22}} }}

{{s-ttl|title=Most opponents defeated
for world heavyweight championship
23

|years=25 April 2015 – present}}

{{s-inc|rows=2}}

{{s-before|before=Joe Louis
{{small|4,270 days}} }}

{{s-ttl|title=Longest cumulative world heavyweight
championship reign
4,382 days
{{small|4,271 days on 14 August 2015}}

|years=28 November 2015 – present}}

{{s-end}}

{{Wladimir Klitschko}}

{{Footer Olympic Champions Boxing Super Heavyweight}}

{{Portal bar|Martial arts|Olympic Games|Ukraine}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Klitschko, Wladimir}}

Category:1976 births

Category:Boxers at the 1996 Summer Olympics

Category:European Boxing Union champions

Category:International Boxing Federation champions

Category:International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees

Category:International Boxing Organization champions

*

Category:Living people

Category:Medalists at the 1996 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic boxers for Ukraine

Category:Olympic gold medalists for Ukraine

Category:Olympic medalists in boxing

Category:People of the Euromaidan

Category:Pro-Ukrainian people of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Category:Sportspeople from Semey

Category:Super-heavyweight boxers

Category:Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv alumni

Category:The Ring (magazine) champions

Category:Ukrainian expatriate sportspeople in Germany

Category:Ukrainian expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:Ukrainian male boxers

Category:Ukrainian people of Jewish descent

Category:Ukrainian people of Russian descent

Category:World Boxing Organization champions

Category:World heavyweight boxing champions

Category:World Boxing Association champions

Category:Recipients of the Order of Liberty (Ukraine)

Category:Military World Games gold medalists for Ukraine

Category:Military World Games medalists in boxing