Klitschko's boxing career is nearing an end, but he holds out hope that British fighter David Haye will end his short retirement and agree to a bout next year.
Even as he eyes inevitable retirement from boxing, Klitschko says he will not focus entirely on politics, maintaining an active role in the children's charity he runs with younger brother Wladimir, also a world heavyweight champion.
The victory leaves all the recognized versions of the world heavyweight boxing title with the Klitschko brothers, with Vitali holding the prestigious WBC version.
The bout is the first act of a potentially huge night for British boxing, with Danny Williams fighting for Vitali Klitschko's WBC heavyweight crown in Las Vegas later today.