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FRANKFURT - Vitali Klitschko is leaving boxing to concentrate on Ukrainian politics and his role as an opposition leader, and that should give Canadian Bermane Stiverne a shot at becoming a world heavyweight champion. Omer Toprak Jersey . Klitschko vacated his WBC heavyweight title on Monday and said he doesnt expect to fight again as he pursues a presidential bid in his home country, where citizens have been protesting for weeks in Kyiv over President Viktor Yanukovychs decision to shun closer ties with the European Union and push his country toward Russia. The World Boxing Council proclaimed Klitschko a "Champion Emeritus," a move that would allow him to challenge the new champion directly should he wish to resume his career. "This offer makes it theoretically possible to return to the ring, which I cannot imagine at all happening as things stand now," Klitschko said in a statement. "I am now concentrating on the politics in Ukraine, I feel people need me there." Stiverne (23-1-1), a Haitian-born Montrealer based in Las Vegas, is the WBCs top-ranked contender and has been waiting for Klitschko to make a decision on his future. It is expected that Stiverne will face No. 2-ranked American Chris Arreola for the title. On April 27, Stiverne scored a convincing unanimous decision over Arreola in Ontario, Calif. to win the WBC Silver belt, an unofficial interim title. Stivernes Montreal-based manager Camille Estaphan hopes to meet with WBC officials Tuesday in Los Angeles to confirm a title bout between his fighter and Arreola, which he hopes will take place in March or April. Estaphan said Klitschkos retirement may also help Stiverne financially. "If we had fought Klitschko, the champion would get 70 per cent of the purse, while now, that will be in our favour," said Estaphan. "Were hoping theres a little present under the tree for us just before Christmas." Klitschko is a lawmaker and chairman of the opposition party Udar (Punch) and intends to run for president in 2015. Klitschko has taken an active part in the rallies, urging his countrymen to continue their fight to turn the ex-Soviet republic into a genuine Western democracy. "This is not a revolution. It is a peaceful protest that demands justice," Klitschko told The Associated Press in an interview earlier this month. "The people are not defending political interests. They are defending the idea of living in a civilized country." The 42-year-old Klitschko has a 45-2 record, with 41 KOs. His younger brother Wladimir holds the other significant heavyweight belts. "My brother Wladimir will be responsible for further sporting successes," the older Klitschko said Monday. Vitali has not fought since September 2012, when he made the 10th defence of his belt with a fourth-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Manuel Charr. "With the current extreme and delicate political situation in Ukraine, Vitali has answered his countrys call to fight for human rights and equality. Accordingly, Vitali will not be able to provide the WBC with a predictable time-frame to return to the ring," the WBC said. "In other words, under his new distinction (Champion Emeritus), Klitschko will, in essence, retire with the option of being able to return to the ring at any time and be eligible to fight for the title against the reigning belt holder." The WBC said it will soon determine the top two fighters to participate in an eliminator bout that will yield the successor to Klitschkos vacant title. ___ With files from Canadian Press reporter Marc Tougas in Montreal and AP writer Maria Danilova in Kyiv. Thomas Delaney Jersey . The 23-year-old Poland international is back as first choice at Arsenal after losing his regular spot in the team on occasions over the last three seasons. Christian Pulisic Jersey . And yet as they left TD Garden amid the slush and snow of a winter storm on Thursday evening, there was a sense among the Leafs that they had finally stood toe to toe with their long-time bully, only to fall just short. http://www.footballdortmundpro.com/Kids-Eric-Oelschlagel-Jersey/ . The Raptors have been outscored 88-66 in the opening quarter over a three-game span to begin the month of February. Their most recent loss, 109-101 in Sacramento on Wednesday, was eerily similar to Saturdays defeat at the hands of the Trail Blazers.STOKE, England -- Stoke added another notch to an impressive list of upset results this season as it beat Arsenal 1-0 on Saturday to seriously hurt the Gunners bid for the Premier League title. Jonathan Walters penalty 14 minutes from time after Laurent Koscielny was penalized for handball was enough to give Stoke all three points. Mark Hughes team has beaten Chelsea and Manchester United at home this season, as well as drawing with Manchester City. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had not won in his previous seven visits to Stokes Brittania Stadium. Arsenal slipped four points behind league leader Chelsea, which won 3-1 at Fulham. It is two above Manchester City, which has two games in hand. Stoke moved level with 11th-placed Hull after what was only its second win in 11 league games. Arsenal made just the one change to the starting line-up from last Saturdays 4-1 win against Sunderland, with the fit-again Kieran Gibbs replacing the injured Nacho Monreal in defence. Record signing Mesut Ozil was on the bench after missing that match due to injury. Stoke also made just one change from its 1-0 loss at Manchester City, with Steven Nzonzi replacing the injuredd Peter Odemwingie. Jeremy Toljan Jersey. . Walters had the first chance of the game when he headed Marko Arnautovics header narrowly wide as both sides struggled to carve out opportunities. There was a flurry of chances at the end of the first half and Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had to react quickly to parry a swerving drive from Glenn Whelan. At the other end, Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic , who had earlier comfortably gathered a weak header from Olivier Giroud, was called into action to save Santi Cazorlas fierce effort from the edge of the area. Stoke almost took the lead at the start of the second half as Szczesny made a hash of dealing with Geoff Camerons cross, leading to a goalmouth scramble that Arsenal survived Peter Crouch also sent an acrobatic attempt wide as well as forcing a diving save from Szczesny, as Stoke continued to press. Stokes efforts were eventually rewarded as Walters flick struck Koscielnys arm and the Republic of Ireland striker made no mistake from the spot. Mesut Ozil flashed a shot across Begovics goal and fellow Arsenal substitute Yaya Sanogo then struck over the bar but Arsenal couldnt find the equalizer. ' ' '