Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko has announced that he is running for president of Ukraine two years from now to challenge the incumbent, Viktor Yanukovych, and perhaps signal an end for the boxing career of the WBC titleholder.
"In order to put an end to various rumours and attempts to finish me off as a potential candidate, I would like to announce the following: I am running for president," he told a session of parliament as quoted by Yahoo! Sports.
While Klitschko has not appeared in the ring since September 2012 when he won over Manuel Charr, he has been very active on the political front as evidenced by his announcement made in front of the Ukrainian parliament.
The 42-year old champion is the head of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reforms party founded in 2010. He is also on the Kiev city council and was elected to the parliament a year ago.
Klitschko was supposed to have battled Bermane Stiverne in defense of his title this fall but the bout was called off after the champion excused himself saying his right hand was injured. His brother Wladimir holds the heavyweight belts of the IBF and WBA.
It's still hard to say if the heavyweight champion has a legitimate shot at unseating the incumbent president. Klitschko once ran unsuccessfully for Kiev mayor in 2006 although he won a city council seat the same year.
"It's tough job, to be honest," he was once quoted as saying. "I have learned lessons about Ukrainian politics, and I want to make changes in Ukraine. I am not alone. Together, me and many other people, we have a vision. We are fighting for changes in Ukraine and real democracy in Ukraine."
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