By: Sean Crose
“It’s a completely different story,” said the former WBC heavyweight champion turned mayor of Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. Fox News on Saturday. “It’s not sport – the hard reality of it.” Klitschko is, of course, referring to the current crisis between his homeland and Russia, which some fear will strike Ukraine under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin. “We are not aggressive with anyone,” Klitschko told host Brian Kilmeade in his broken English, “but if someone is aggressive with Ukraine, we have to protect our independence.” Fans remember Klitschko as a dominant boxer who, along with his brother Wladimir, dominated heavyweight for many years.
Since retiring from both his title and ring career in 2013, Klitschko has focused on Ukrainian politics. He was elected mayor of Kyiv in 2014. With the threat of a Russian invasion pervading Ukrainian lives, Klitschko made it clear. At the age of 50, he is not eager to return to the days of the Soviet Union, the Russian-controlled empire of much of Eastern Europe – including Ukraine. “The reason for this conflict (is) because Vladimir Putin wants to rebuild the Soviet Empire,” the fighter politician told Kilmeade. “We were in the Soviet Union. We don’t want (return) to the Soviet Union”.
Speaking of his Ukrainian colleagues, Klitschko declared: “We see our future as a modern, European, democratic country.” As for the involvement of other countries in his nation’s crisis, Klitschko is openly grateful for the US support. “Thank you very much America,” he said. On the other hand, Klitschko insists the support from Germany is “just a joke”. The man who was once known by the nickname “Doctor Ironfist” added that he was “not involved in the conversation between the President of the United States and the President of Ukraine” that took place a few days ago.
Although Klitschko has not fought in many years, the man who retired from the sport of boxing with a very impressive 45-2 record (with 41 wins of which was by knockout) claims he ready to fight in far more dangerous situations. Russia decided to attack its homeland. “As a veteran,” he said, “I promised to defend my country and I must keep my word. I have to protect my city and protect my future, protect my family.” A fight that is sure to be the most notable of all Klitschko’s fights. Here’s hoping not him and anyone else has to get involved in one.
