VITALI KLITSCHKO’S days as a boxer are over, but he now plays a huge important role as Ukraine’s capital Kyiv’s mayor.
Back in his heyday, however, Klitschko and his brother Wladimir ruled the roost atop of the heavyweight division.
Vitali Klitschko will fight for Ukraine against Russia’s invasionCredit: AP
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But Vitali is now looking at fighting a much different battle, as he confirmed earlier this week he was prepared to fight for his country against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I don’t have another choice, I have to do that. I’ll be fighting,” the 50-year-old told ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
“I believe in Ukraine, I believe in my country and I believe in my people.
“The Ukrainian people are strong. And it will remain true to itself in this terrible ordeal. A people longing for sovereignty and peace. A people who consider the Russian people their brothers.
“It knows that they basically do not want this war. The Ukrainian people have chosen democracy.
“But democracy is a fragile regime. Democracy cannot defend itself; it needs the will of the citizens, the commitment of everyone. Basically, there is no democracy without democrats.”
What was Vitali Klitschko’s record as a boxer?
Vitali had storied boxing career and was one of the most fearsome heavyweights of his era.
Klitschko had huge heavyweight title fights with Lennox Lewis, Derek Chisora, Shannon Briggs, Chris Byrd and Corrie Sanders.
The 50-year-old made his debut in 1996, winning in two rounds against Tony Bradham in Germany, before ending his career in 2012 with a win over Manuel Charr.
Klitschko won his first world title in 1999 against Herbie Hide in London, picking up the WBO strap.
But it was the WBC title which Klitschko carried for most of his career, winning it from Sanders in 2004 and defending it 11 times thereafter.
He did lose in his biggest ever fight to Brit legend Lewis in 2003, however, as he was stopped in the sixth round of their clash.
Overall, Klitschko ended his boxing career with a formidable record of 45-2 and with 41 knockouts.
Vitali and Wladimir are two of boxing’s most accomplished brothersCredit: AP:Associated Press
Who is his brother Wladimir?
Wladimir Klitschko was also a boxer, and a more successful one than his older brother at that.
Wlad won OIympoic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games before going on to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.
He also had huge fights with Brit stars Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, losing both towards the back end of his career.
Klitschko also joined the Ukrainian army earlier this week and has pledged to fight against the Russian invasion.
