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. 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. Wilt Chamberlain Jersey . And rest hardly led to rust for the two-time defending NBA champions. Damian Jones Jersey . 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Scherzer allowed two hits and struck out seven, and the Tigers backed their star right-hander with three early homers in an 8-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night.Roy Hodgson has until midnight on Tuesday 31 May to trim his 26-man squad to the 23 players hell take to Euro 2016. But who will miss out? Hodgson is expected to issue his final squad list this afternoon, after a training session in Watford, a delayed announcement after the injury to Danny Welbeck forced a late change of plans.Back-to-back 2-1 friendly wins over Turkey and Australia will have left the England manager with plenty to think about - especially after 18-year-old wildcard Marcus Rashford scored on his international debut on Friday night. Hodgson coy on final selection Roy Hodgson on his selection dilemmas ahead of Euro 2016 Here, we look at seven players whose inclusion is far from certain and consider their chances of making Hodgsons final squad…Jack Wilshere Jack Wilshere appears to have proved his fitness to Hodgson After playing 66 minutes against Turkey and the first-half of Englands win over Australia, it seems Jack Wilshere remains a key figure for Roy Hodgson. The inclusion of the Arsenal midfielder in the initial squad despite an injury-ravaged season in which he made just three first-team appearances highlighted Hodgsons faith in Wilshere and he now seems set for a ticket to Euro 2016.Both of them [Wilshere and Jordan Henderson] are a little bit short of match fitness but certainly for Jack Wilshere the last couple of games shows that his lack of match fitness isnt very evident. I thought he was very good in the first half he played [against Australia], said Hodgson.Former England caretaker boss Peter Taylor is also adamant Wilshere should go to France. Speaking after the win over Turkey, he told Sky Sports News HQ: Wilshere is so different, such a clever player, he could play for Barcelona. Hes such a talented player. You want that type of different midfield player for your options, whether you start him or bring him on as sub. Id be wrapping him up in cotton wool.Marcus Rashford Marcus Rashford was congratulated by Hodgson on Friday Marcus Rashford was 3/1 to make Englands final 23 when the provisional squad was first named. Only Fabian Delph was more likely to be axed. But after a stunning introduction to international football - combined with injury concerns for Daniel Sturridge - the Manchester United teenager could be on his way to Euro 2016.It took the 18-year-old just three minutes to find the net against Australia and Hodgson was full of praise for the youngster after the game. What a debut. Im pleased for him, said the England boss.But I wasnt surprised with the way he played. He was always one of the players who was seriously competing for a place in the 23 and hes done his chances of travelling with us no harm. He wouldnt be out of place in anyones 23.Ross Barkley Ross Barkley was a second-half sub against Australia Ross Barkley enjoyed his most productive season with Everton in the Premier League in 2015/16, scoring eight times and registering the same number of assists. However, a drop-off in form towards the end of the campaign appears to have damaged his chances of a key role for England this summer and he was overlooked for a starting spot in either friendly.A raw talent, Barkley is likely to be an important figure for England in years to come and remaiins a likely traveller to France - if only as a squad member.dddddddddddd. Andros Townsend Andros Townsend hopes to have made an impression Andros Townsend was out of the England reckoning in March but forced his way back into Hodgsons plans with an impressive run of form for Newcastle. However, after playing just 14 minutes across the two friendlies this month, his position in the camp is once again in doubt.Everyones desperate to go to a major tournament, he said after his run-out against Australia. What a huge honour it would be if I did, but Ive done what I can and now well see what the manager decides.Townsend is one of few genuine wingers in Hodgsons provisional squad and has enjoyed a number of fine performances in an England shirt under the manager. But he is likely to be one of the names debated by Hodgson and his coaching staff.Danny Drinkwater Danny Drinkwater played 90 minutes against Australia He may have been an integral part of Leicester Citys Premier League title win but Danny Drinkwater is among the three favourites to be cut from Hodgsons group of 26. The central midfielder was subbed on for the final 17 minutes against Turkey but played the full 90 against Australia.With Eric Dier, Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson vying for a similar role in the team, he could be the unfortunate one to miss out. Dier seems set for a starting spot, while Wilshere has been praised by Hodgson, who also dismissed concerns over Hendersons fitness problems.Daniel Sturridge Daniel Sturridge has missed both friendlies with injury Daniel Sturridge was Englands first-choice striker at the World Cup but injuries have limited the Liverpool mans playing time over the past two seasons and, despite returning for the Reds run-in, a calf problem kept him out of both international friendlies this month.The forward is due to return to training on Sunday and Hodgson has told the press his injury problem isnt likely to affect his ability to play in Englands Euro 2016 opener against Russia on June 10. However, the manager also stopped short of backing Sturridge for a place in the squad. It seems the 26-year-olds tournament chances remain up for discussion.Fabian Delph Fabian Delph is all but out of contention for a place in the final squad Manchester Citys Fabian Delph was a surprise inclusion in Hodgsons provisional squad of 26, given his injury problems and struggles to break into Manuel Pellegrinis plans this season. Now, a groin injury has effectively ruled him out of contention for a place on the plane.The midfielder was unable to travel to Sunderland for Fridays friendly with Australia and Hodgson said: That means probably he wont be with us either in the final 23, unless, of course, we have injuries. Ive put him on a standby list and he understands and accepts that. 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