Earning any type of recognition for your accomplishments from the government is a big deal and Ukrainian boxer Vitali Klitschko was summarily honored by the Ukrainian government for his professionalism in sports.  The 1^st Degree Order of Merit was bestowed upon Klitschko for ‘outstanding sports achievements, courage, dedication to his work, will to victory’ in addition to being and ambassador of Ukraine and helping to establish their authority in the world – especially in the sporting arena.

Klitschko, the former WBC World Super Heavyweight Champion, was side lined for about three years dealing with an injury that forced him into semi-retirement.  He briefly dabbled with Ukraine politics for a short time during his semi-retirement.  Klitschko, the older brother of boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, decided to stage a comeback and took on Nigerian boxer Samuel Peter on October 12, 2008.  8 rounds into the 15 round match, Peter ‘threw in the towel’ after overhearing the judges state that Klitschko was ahead in the match, allowing the Ukrainian boxer to regain his boxing title.

Brother Wladimir is set to take on Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin on December 13, 2008 defending his IBF world heavyweight title.  Currently the two brothers are the first Ukraine siblings to hold boxing world heavyweight titles at the same time.

Read also:

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2. Ukraine’s Klitschko Brothers Battle For Remaining Boxing Title
3. Ukraine One Step Closer To An Olympic Metal For Boxing
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5. Ukrainian Soccer Team Working Towards Champions League