Impressive victories of Klitschko brothers in their amateur career did not
remain without attention of known sports figures around the world. After
Wladimir's Olympic victory in Atlanta, brothers received invitations from
different boxing clubs and promotion agencies, including Don King. But after
weighing in all the pros and cons of each offer, they decided to pick the
German professional boxing club - UNIVERSUM BOX-PROMOTION. The contract was
signed in the autumn of 1996. Their victories in professional ring were
just as impressive, and with only six months as pros both Vitali and Wladimir
were considered as likely challengers for the European Heavyweight Championship
title.
On October 23, 1998 the World Boxing Organization recognized Vitali as
the best intercontinental champion of 1998. On November 11, 1998 Vitali Klitschko's name was put in the book of
Guinness World Records as the first boxing champion in the heavyweight division
to have won 26 fight by a KO and spend the least amount of rounds. The previous
record holder has "Iron Mike" Tyson.
In January 2000 a German Boxsport magazine recognized Vitali Klitschko
as the best boxer of 1999. In January 2001 the same magazine (Boxsport) recognized Wladimir
Klitschko as the best boxer of 2000. On February 1, 2002 the European branch of the World Boxing Association
(WBA Europe) - the International Boxing Association (IBA- WBA International)
named Vitali Klitschko as the best boxer of 2001. On November 2, 2002 at the fifteenth annual assembly of the World Boxing
Organization that took place in Panama, Wladimir Klitschko was recognized as
the best fighter of 2002 in the heavyweight division. On October 7, 2003 2003 at the 41st congress of the WBC occurred in
Moscow, the president of the World Boxing Counsel Jose' Sulaiman awarded Vitali
with trophy for the "Most Entertaining Fight of 2003."
That's how the fight, which took place in Los Angeles on June 21 of 2003
between Vitali Klitschko and Lennox Lewis, was recognized.
In three years of professional career Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko have moved
from 200+ place in the world boxing rating to the top ten and conquered
prestigious boxing titles.
In eight years of professional career Vitali has won the following titles:
