Via John “Gutterdandy” Walker
Ukrainian heavyweight boxing legend and current Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschkowas awarded the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on Wednesday night at the ESPY Awards 2022.
Known as “Dr. IronfistDuring his boxing career where he set a glittering 45-2 record with 41 knockout wins – 87.23% KO rate – Vitali and his brother Wladimir dominated the boxing world for over a decade. Vitali has held both WBO and WBC world titles, and Named “Eternal Heavyweight Champion” by the latter organization.
Notably, in 2008, Klitschko returned after more than 3 years of retirement due to a knee injury to regain the WBC belt by Samuel Peter retired on his stool. He will never lose again in the completely dominating second phase of his career.
After retiring from boxing in 2013 at the age of 42, Vitali Klitschko found a second career in politics, becoming Mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city, in 2014.
Both Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko were back in the news late for their bravery as they fought against the Russian invasion of their countries. Actor Dwayne Johnsonreceived the award on behalf of Klitschko, called Vitali “A man will tell you very clearly, that sport is part of the reason he’s in his position.”
“Vitali was a hero who showed the world what true courage is like,” Johnson added.
ESPY Awards, named for great African-American tennis Arthur Ashe, recognizes those who find ways through sport to make a difference far beyond the field.
A video of Klitschko’s life story was played during the broadcast and recounted his journey from heavyweight boxing champion to mayor of Kyiv.
