The World Boxing Council on Wednesday named Ukrainian heavyweight champion Vitaly Klitschko fighter of the year.

Klitschko, 40, defended his title twice last year, both by way of technical knockout.

He beat Odlanier Solis in March when the Cuban sustained a knee injury in the first round, then stopped Poland's Tomasz Adamek in the tenth round in September to take his career record to 43 wins, 40 by knockout, and two defeats.

Klitschko, known as Dr. Ironfist, next puts his title on the line February 18 against British heavyweight Dereck Chisora in Munich.