Klitschko receives super champion belt; celebrates birthday!

March 26, 2008

Photos courtesy WBO

On Tuesday night, WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko received the Super Champion Belt that places him among a select group of champions distinguished with this award by the World Boxing Organization. He received the belt from the children of the Sister Isolina Ferre Center that offers educational programs for the disenfranchised, and also participate of the WBO Kids Drug Free Program. This was not the only surprise for Wladimir, as a big surprise party to celebrate his 32nd birthday had been organized with an enormous cake crowned with a WBO belt, multi-colored balloons and banners wishing him "Happy Birthday."

During his visit to the Center, Klitschko shared the enthusiastic friendliness of the children and youth, who were in awe and admiration of the tall, 6'6 champion. Klitschko whole heartedly thanked WBO President, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel for inviting him to visit with the "beautiful people of the country of Puerto Rico," an invitation that allowed him the opportunity to partake of the activities in the company of other champions and boxers from Puerto Rico, such as Iván Calderón, Juan Manuel Lopez, Carlos “El Indio” Quintana and ring legend Jose “Chegui” Torres to name a few.

Klitschko said, "This is the best birthday present and party ever that I have had. This is my first trip to Puerto Rico. I am from the Ukraine. I feel like I am in the Ukraine. These are all my people here." Wladimir said he was made to feel at home by the overwhelming warmth and respect he has received from everyone during his public appearances in Puerto Rico.

"Who would have thought a month back, while in training, that I would come to Puerto Rico," said Klitschko referring to the telephone conversation held with WBO president Paco Valcarcel, prior to his February 23rd victory over Sultan Ibragimov, when he recovered the WBO heavyweight title he held from 2000 to 2003. Wladimir has a record of 50-3 with 44 KOs.

Being able to share with groups of children and young people is not new to him, as Klitschko has a PhD from the University of Kiev in Sports Sciences. His thesis was in determining the effect of educational constraints upon amateur students between the ages of 14 to 17, and how this affects the development of the sport in these young athletes. In his doctoral studies, Klitschko found that young athletes still in the growth and personality development processes, who train in systems that are too rigid, increase the degree of insecurity and frustration much more than it enables them to develop their sport potential. The balance is, in his opinion, for trainers to direct the discipline, taking into account the strengthening of the young athletes’ personality in order to attain their goals in the sport.

“We wanted Wladimir to share with the children of the Centers of Sister Isolina because he represents the totality of development an athlete can obtain, not only in sports, but also as a student. Wladimir was a member of the 1996 Ukraine Olympic Boxing Team, winning the Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympic Games. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO has compiled an exemplary professional record of 50-3 record, with six victories over World Champions, including victories over four WBO World Champions, Chris Byrd (twice), Ray Mercer, Lamon Brewster and Sultan Ibragimov and a victory over current WBC World Champion Samuel Peter. KLITSCHKO has twice won the WBO World Heavyweight Championship, he was named WBO Fighter of the Year in 2002, and he has unified the championships of the WBO and the IBF. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO has conducted his campaign with exemplary boxing skill, character and sportsmanship. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO has been the recipient of the WBO Gordon Volkman Award for exemplary community service, he has served actively as a UNESCO Ambassador, and he currently works with and contributes generously to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation’s Betances Boxing Program which teaches youth boxing to develop character and personal growth for disadvantaged youths in the Bronx, New York. Wladimir is an example for the young athletes to follow – a leader. We also appreciate his great sense of friendship which he has showered upon us during his visit," said Valcárcel.

Wladimir and his brother Vitali have, by their own merits, attained international recognition in world boxing, both occupying the highest rosters in the heavyweight division of most sanctioning bodies for World Championships.

Wladimir Klitschko was scheduled to leave Puerto Rico early morning on the 26th.

GUESTS PRESENT DURING THE EVENT

World Boxing Organization President Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.
WBO Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko
Klitschko Management Group Manager Bernd Boente
WBO Past President/Former Lt. Heavy Champ Jose "Chegui" Torres
WBO Administrative Advisor Manuel Marrero Hueca
WBO Public Relations Director Mario Rivera Martino
WBO Events Coordinator Jacqueline Torrent
WBO Audiovisual Specialist Norma Nieves
Sor Isolina Center Executive Director Sister Mildred Vazquez, Msbt
Sor Isolina Center Ceo Dr. Jose L. Diaz Cotto
Sor Isolina Center Historian, Sister Rosita M. Bauza, Msbt
WBO Officials Jose H. Rivera, Roberto Ramirez, Cesar Ramos
WBO Welterweight Champion Carlos "El Indio" Quintana
WBO Latin 122 Lbs Champion Juan Manuel "Juanma" Lopez
WBO Latin 115 Lbs Champion Juan Mercedes
Three-Time Cruiserweight Champion Carlos Leon
Caribe Cabofe 126 Lbs Champion Mario Santiago
Manager And Trainer Juan De Leon
Former Boxer And Manager Pancha Aneiro
Universal Promotions Javier Bustillo