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Klitschko dedicates his win in heavyweight championship to Ukraine

Ukraine faces escalating tensions and violence as pro-Russian forces seize towns in the eastern part of Ukraine and Russian troops amass along the border.

By Aileen Graef

OBERHAUSEN, Germany, April 28 (UPI) -- World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko dedicated his last fight and win to his home country of Ukraine, saying he hopes they can get through this crisis.

"I hope we can get through this crisis just like I got through this fight."

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Klitschko defeated Australia's Alex Leapai landing 147 punches to his 10. Klitschko says the win was difficult because his head was with his crisis-plagued home, "It wasn't easy, because my head was with my countrymen in Ukraine. What is going on in my home country is the concern of the whole world."

Despite his distraction Klitschko is hopeful for the future of his country.

"Our dreams of living in a democratic country, where any European will feel welcome, will come true and most of all there will be peace."

This was Klitschko's 25th world title fight.

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