Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Klitschko knocks talk of Charr appeal
KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's Vitaly Klitschko has dismissed an appeal by Manuel Charr over his defeat in Saturday's WBC world heavyweight title fight, saying the German would have been "horizontal" in two more rounds.
The 41-year-old Klitschko retained his title in Moscow when the referee stopped the contest in the fourth round after Charr sustained a deep cut above his right eye.
The 27-year-old challenger, who had a 21-0 record with 11 knockouts going into the fight, was furious and kicked and punched the ropes in frustration over the decision.
Klitschko, who is now focusing on a career in politics at the head of his Udar (Punch) party, said on Tuesday that Charr had little chance of successfully appealing.
"So now he is appealing ... what is he trying to prove?" asked Klitschko at a news conference at which he outlined plans for his party's campaign in an October parliamentary election.
"I also could start legal action and be dissatisfied because in one more round, two at the most, Charr would not have been able to move. He would have been in a horizontal state," he said.
Klitschko, who has held the WBC title since 2004 and has won 40 of his 45 victories on knockouts, dodged a question over whether the Moscow contest would be his last fight.
"I think I will be able to give a separate answer to this at some point - but not today," he said.
(Writing By Richard Balmforth; Editing by Mark Meadows)
- Gritty Indonesia give mighty China a huge scare
- BAM must stop rewarding mediocrity or be doomed
- Chong Wei urges team-mates to put Cup exit behind
- BAM secretary: It all depends on Kien Keat and Boon Heong now
- Yong-dae believes luckless run in world meet will end in Guangzhou
- Nicol David sails into quarter-finals of British Open in 35 minutes
- Kingston leads, McIlroy in Wentworth woe
- British Open: Ramy Ashour racks up 38th successive win
- Malaysia to host 2016 World Table Tennis meet
- Clock ticking for next golden generation
- Giro stage called off after heavy snow overnight
- Ryan Palmer sizzles with 62 to seize lead at Colonial
- LPGA plans 12-hole rounds in water-logged Bahamas
- British Open: Ramy Ashour racks up 38th successive win
- Clock ticking for next golden generation
- Kingston leads, McIlroy in Wentworth woe
- Haas, Waldorf set pace at Senior PGA Championship
- Palmer takes control with a 62 at Colonial
- Yong-dae believes luckless run in world meet will end in Guangzhou
- Easier for Pandelela without Ruolin and Koltunova
