Ukrainian boxer Vitali Klitschko has made a successful comeback from a four-year absence as he defeated Samuel Peter of Nigeria in a WBC match in Berlin on Saturday.

Klitschko, 37, reclaimed the WBC heavyweight title from the fight with Peter who resigned in the eighth round. The Ukrainian has captured the same title in 2004 but vacated it a year later due to his chronic illness, allowing the “interim” champion Peter to be elevated to succeed him.

In the bout against Peter, the Ukrainian boxer was able to utilize his longer reach and put the Nigerian in troubles with his heavy right punches. After getting beat badly in the eighth round, Peter refused come out for the ninth round, relinquishing his WBC title to the Ukrainian challenger.

Vitali Klitschko, the older brother of another heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has a career record of 36 wins, 35 of which were knockouts, and two losses. He was conferred the “champion emeritus” status when he announced he would retire from professional boxing three years ago due to an illness, but the boxer recovered and decided to took the offer for a title match with Peter.

“I knew if I lost today, I would not have a second chance. It was a one-way ticket and I have used it,” said the two-time WBC champion.

“My brother has proven he is one of the Klitschko who are the best fighters. I am very proud of him,” said Wladimir Klitschko, who was mentoring his older brother for the fight.

Light heavyweight Chad Dawson has also regained the IBF title by defeating Antonio “The Magicman” Tarver by split decision in a match at Las Vegas. Dawson has a perfect record of 27 wins and no loss.