Klitschko honours brother in his Hall of Fame moment
canastota (ny) — Vitali Klitschko had a difficult time grasping the moment.
“It’s not reality. It’s a dream,” Klitschko said on Sunday during his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. “I never expected I will be in (the Hall of Fame). I didn’t expect one day I become world champion in the United States. I’m very proud to be together with boxing legends. It’s a dream to be in with Muhammad Ali.”
Klitschko was elected to the Hall of Fame in December, three years after he decided to re-enter politics in his native Ukraine. Also inducted Sunday were four-division world champion Erik Morales and light middleweight champion Ronald “Winky” Wright, while Sid Terris was honoured posthumously in the old-timer category.
It’s not reality. It’s a dream Vitali Klitschko
Honoured in the observer category were broadcasters Steve Albert and Jim Gray, while German promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl was honoured in the non-participant category. Ring announcer Johnny Addie and promoter Lorraine Chargin were honoured posthumously in the non-participant category.
With a Ph.D in his portfolio, the 6-foot-7 Klitschko earned the nickname “Dr. Ironfist.” A product of the Soviet athletic system, Klitschko and his younger brother, Wladimir, dominated the heavyweight class for a decade.
Vitali, now mayor of Kiev, boxed professionally from 19962013, his fierce jab and aggressive punching the keys to a 45-2 record with 41 knockouts. No surprise that Wladimir made sure to make the trip to witness his big brother’s crowning moment. The bond between the two remains strong.
“I am very proud to have the strongest brother in the world,” Vitali said. “We helped each other. I want to say thank you very much, brother, for everything what you did for me and your support. Younger brother, I’m more than sure you will also be here.”
Morales won titles in four weight divisions. Nicknamed “El Terrible,” the native of Mexico followed his father into the ring and won the NABF and WBC super bantamweight titles. —