An Open Letter to Vitali Klitschko- Stick Around Awhile!

Dear Vitali Klitschko,

What a great ride you have given us! Multiple world titles, the exciting fights with Corrie Sanders and Lennox Lewis, the comeback, the unique achievement of brother world champions...it goes on and on. All I have to say is thanks alot. Now you are almost 40 years old, and for awile now, have been hinting at re-retiring. My question is, why? I understand that you have had multiple major injuries, and I also understand that it is a tough sport, and a man of your intellect and education wants to limit the number of punches he takes. But shouldn't someone clearly win a round against you before you retire? No one has since your comeback- and other than Lennox in that great fight, I am not sure anyone ever has. You say you feel like you are 25- it shows. You are dominating these guys.

Vitali, lets be honest, you have a great legacy, but it could be better. Wins agaisnt Herbie Hide, Orlin Norris, Corrie Sanders, Kirk Johnson, Danny Williams, Sam Peter, Chris Arreola, Juan Carlos Gomez and Shannon Briggs are nothing to frown at. Its a good body of work. But its thin for an ATG. Most fighters who fight into their 40s embarrass themselves, but given your high quality of work, why not? Look at the good that guys like Joe Walcott, Larry Holmes and George Foreman did by hanging in there an winning some fights late in the season. Vitali, you could still be a top 15 guy if you want it.

I see see three paths:

1) One of your past opponents might do something big- I wouldn't count on this one, which is why it makes sense to fight on for awhile. The only guys that seem at all possible are Peter, who looks well busted after the second loss to Wladdy, and Arreola, who, laets face it, might never get himself in shape.

2) You could find that one big opponent. Its looking like little brother is going to get Haye- maybe you could still make it happen for yourself instead. If not, guys like Helenius, Boytsov and Pulev are coming up quick

3) Just keep fighting and winning until your body of work against contenders is so diverse that no one questions it. Remember, your get extra points for fighting in the twilight years, and people naturally look on you with new affection.

Vitali, some say the divison in thin, but here are some fights that I would like to see:

Haye- yeah, Wladdy might get him first, but even beating him after the fact would add something. He is a two division champion with a couple of credilbe championship wins.

Valuev- what a fight. It would be literally the biggest fight ever.

Adamek- If Wladdy gets Haye, you will probaly get him. He is a hall of famer who has had a credible heavyweight run.

Ustinov, or the winner of Fields/Grant- these guys are hardly great fighters, but again, just the size factor would be cool. I think people would like to see you in more Sanders typs fight- two big, powerful guys punching it out.

The seniors tour- you are forty yourself, I don't see why you couldn't work in a few of the fights from the past you missed out on. Rahmen, Maskaev, Holyfield, Bowe, Toney, Tua- they are all still active fighters. Hell, do it in a Joe Louis fashion and fight 3 over 4 to 6 months.

Povetkin- wants no part of little brother, maybe he would fight you. He is an Olympic gold medalist.

The Young guns- Helenius, Boytsov, Pulev...Helenius is particulalry attractive as another big, powerful fighter. Now these guys- they might go on to do something after you hanlde them that would vicariously enhance your legacy.

So there it is, my man. An open request from a fan that you don't sell yourself short, and leave too soon, when there is still glory to win, money to be made, and scalps to add to the trophy room.

Cachibatches