Klitschko vs Chisora Results: Fight Proves End Is Near for Heavyweight Champ

Even though Vitali Klitschko walked out of this heavyweight title bout with unanimous decision over young British challenger Dereck Chisora, the fight was rather discouraging and it could be spelling an end to a great champion's career.

While we don't want to get ahead of ourselves, one must remember that Klitschko is 40 years old, and he will likely be reaching 41 or perhaps 42 when his next fight comes about.

It is quite impressive that he is still fighting this strong at this point in his career, but the fact that it took 12 rounds to win this fight against a punk, in Chisora, doesn't exactly come off as a great victory.

Klitschko dealt with many different issues coming into the match, such as Chisora slapping him at the weigh in, as well as having his inferior challenger spit in his face right before the match.

Why didn't Klitschko just pulverize this guy? He stands seven inches taller than him and has a six-inch longer reach. There is no reason that this match should have not been settled in a TKO.

The only reason is age, and it appears to be catching up to the WBC heavyweight champion.

While it would be premature to say he should step away from the ring after this victory, it would likely be logical of the Ukrainian to consider retirement after one of his next few matches.

He likely has the ability to win another match or two, but after that he could be running into trouble. At this point, he has won 12 straight matches, which is an impressive feat itself.

It will remain to be seen when he will be given his next challenge, but once he does, Klitschko should consider walking away on top if he comes through with a victory over his next opponent.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.