Klitschko successful in return to ring

BERLIN (TICKER) —Vitali Klitschko proved the wait was worth it.

Fighting for the first time in nearly four years, Klitschko reclaimed the WBC heavyweight title Saturday with a convincing technical-knockout victory over Samuel Peter at the O2 World Arena.

The Ukrainian veteran dominated from the outset and proved far too strong for the Nigerian Peter, who retired after eight rounds. With the triumph, Klitschko (36-2, 35 KOs) made history, joining brother Wladimir as the only siblings to simultaneously hold heavyweight title belts.

“It was a good performance, and I made my dream (for us) to be world champions at the same time,” Vitali said. “We have one more belt in the Klitschko family.”

Wladimir, 32, currently is the IBF and WBO champion.

Owning a seven-inch height advantage over Peter, the 37-year-old Vitali used his long reach and some hard right hands to dominate the early rounds. Vitali was well ahead on all three scorecards when Peter decided not to answer the bell for the start of the ninth round.

“It was not an easy fight, it was not easy preparation,” Vitali said. “I have had so many injuries, but now I am fit and healthy. I have my skills. I can’t lose my skills. If I am fit and healthy, I can show a good performance.”

Vitali, who conceded seven pounds to his opponent, was fighting for the first time since a successful WBC title defense against Danny Williams in Las Vegas in December 2004. He retired the following year due to a knee injury but appeared to be in fine shape as he overwhelmed Peter.

Billed as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” the 28-year-old Peter had won his previous six fights. His last loss came at the hands of Wladimir, who claimed a unanimous decision in September 2005.