By David "Los Gatos" Rosenberg

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (45-2, 43KOs) "is surprised" with a recent report that he plans to retire in 2012 after one or two more fights. A television station in Ukraine had circulated a report indicating that the 40-year-old champion was planning to walk away from boxing in order to pursue a full time career in politics. Vitali, while heavily involved in politics, has no set plan to retire in the near future.

BoxingScene was emailed the following statement from Vitali - "I'm totally surprised [with the reports of his 2012 retirement]. I can say that next year I plan to have at least two fights. I feel as fit as ever and I promise to present my fans with some real highlights."