Former Boxing Champion Vitali Klitschko to Enter Politics

KIEV, Ukraine -- Newly retired WBC heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko said Nov. 25 that he plans to enter politics but kept Ukrainians guessing about where he sees himself - in the Kyiv mayor's office or in parliament.

Vitali Klitschko
Klitschko, who unexpectedly left international boxing last month, told reporters in the Ukrainian capital that he "didn't exclude" a possible electoral run, saying he wanted first to gauge public support.

"My sporting career is over, but I believe that I have a rather good opportunity so that my contacts, energy and knowledge can be put to a new task," the 34-year-old boxer said.

"If Kyiv residents support my initiative, I don't exclude the possibility of putting forward my candidacy for the seat of the city's head," he said.

After the packed news conference, Ukrainian journalists mobbed the popular boxer for autographs, which he smilingly gave them.

Klitschko retired after a knee injury forced him to pull out of a long-delayed title defense against Hasim Rahman in Las Vegas. At the time he hinted that he might be considering a career in politics.

During last year's tumultuous Orange Revolution protests, the boxer, who has a doctorate in sports from a Kyiv university, threw his support behind then-opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko.

He returned to Kyiv to mark the first anniversary on Nov. 22, pleading with now feuding, leaders of the Orange Revolution - Yushchenko and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko - to reunite.

"I still can't understand this artificial split between the democratic forces," Klitschko said.

He refused to answer questions asking if he had a preference for one side or another.

Opinion polls show that Klitschko's name recognition and popularity would make him a serious contender for the mayor's office, but running for the office might force him to take on his longtime patron, Kyiv Mayor Oleksandr Omelchenko.

Omelchenko also has kept silent about whether he plans to seek a third term, and many speculated he was waiting to see what Klitschko would do.

Source: AP