BOXING: WBC CHAMPION KLITSCHKO RETIRES.

Byline: Robert Morales Staff Writer

Vitali Klitschko underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate and damaged medial meniscus in his right knee, then Wednesday the heavyweight champion announced his retirement from boxing at age 34.

Klitschko, in a statement released Wednesday morning, said he was chagrined that he has been spending more time dealing with injuries than he has in the ring.

``I never thought this decision would be so difficult to make,'' he said, his voice cracking. ``I don't sleep last night. It is really hard, very difficult. I spent more than 20 years in this sport.

``I love boxing and it has been a big part of my life. But I am more than sure this is the right decision for me.''

Klitschko, the World Boxing Council champion from Beverly Hills via Kiev, Ukraine, was to defend his belt against Hasim Rahman on Saturday in Las Vegas. But Klitschko injured his knee while sparring last Thursday at the Pound-4-Pound gym in Los Angeles.

Klitschko has had a rash of injuries over the past year that have resulted in three postponements of his fight with Rahman.

Klitschko, who is 6-foot-7 1/2, finished 35-2 with 34 knockouts.

Klitschko won the vacant WBC title with an eighth-round technical knockout of Corrie Sanders on April 24, 2004, at Staples Center. Klitschoko won the World Boxing Organization belt in 1999.

- Robert Morales