11.05.04 – The newly crowned WBC Heavyweight Champion, Vitali Klitschko, and his brother, Wladimir, are beginning the second week of their world-wind tour and family visit in Europe. Klitschko, fresh off becoming the No. 1 heavyweight in the land after impressively knocking out Corrie Sanders on April 24 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, will showcase his WBC world championship belt at numerous media and civic events during the brothers’ visits to Germany, Romania, Russia, and the Ukraine.
Since his decisive victory, Vitali Klitschko has been busy doing print, radio and television interviews as well as receiving calls of congratulation.
“My phone has not stopped ringing since I won the title,” he said. “The people and the media have been very supportive. But it is good to get away. I have been looking forward to this trip and a little vacation before we focus on our first defense of the title.”
Klitschko celebrated his triumph over Sanders the Thursday after the fight in Marina del Rey, Calif., with family, friends and members of the brothers’ promotional company, K2 Promotions, who staged the successful event April 24, their first ever.
Before he left the United States, Vitali was honored by Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn, who proclaimed April 24 “Vitali Klitschko Day In Los Angeles.’’
“It was a tremendous surprise to be honored by the mayor and one of the greatest cities in the world,” he said.
Managing Director of K2 Promotions, Tom Loeffler said: “The Mayor’s actions as well as the reactions of the fans, confirms why K2 brought the heavyweight world championship fight to Los Angeles. Los Angeles truly is Vitali’s adopted hometown.”
The brothers will visit their family and friends in Kiev. Prior to going to Kiev, they will visit Romania to support the UNESCO project, “Education for Children in Need.” The program opens schools on weekends for street and needy youngsters to give them an education and a chance for a better future.
“Winning the world championship was a dream come true,” Vitali said. “The overwhelming response and warmth that Wladimir and I have been enjoying both in the United States and in Europe just makes that dream all the better.”
Added Loeffler: “The brothers deserve all the kudos and respect they have earned. I can only imagine how gratifying it is to be a national idol in country after country. They are special people and unique athletes who will gain even more recognition for their accomplishments in and out of the ring.”