By: Sean Crose
On July 20, former heavyweight Vitali Klitschko will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPY’s, ESPN’s annual grand prize show. Klitschko, a former WBC heavyweight belt holder (Wladimir’s brother holds the division’s other major belts), is now mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city. Ukraine, of course, has been in a bloody war since it was invaded by Russian troops this past winter. Since that time, Klitschko has emerged as a leading figure in the defense of his homeland.
A 50-year-old father of three, Klitschko became mayor of Kiev in 2014. Since taking a break from boxing in 2013, Klitschko has earned a reputation for being as fearless in politics as he was in the ring. . For example, the same year as he retired, Klitschko was assaulted at an outdoor rally, only to continue speaking in front of a crowd. Now, however, the man is very openly facing Europe’s biggest direct military challenge since World War Two. Like Kevin Iole’s Yahoo! In other words, Klitschko “could have signed his own death warrant.”
As for the reward he will receive from ESPN, the wartime mayor is grateful for the admission. “It is a great honor for me to receive this award,” said the fighter-turned-politician. “I believe this is a recognition of the courage and invulnerability of the Ukrainian people, who bravely resisted the Russian aggressor for more than three months.” Klitschko went on to add that the award is not for him alone. “This is an award for all those who defend Ukraine’s independence and freedom.”
“Vitali’s poise and strength as his city and country faced unpredictable tests outweighed the incredible determination he showed as one of the world’s greatest champions. top heavyweight boxing opponent,” said ESPN honcho Rod King. “His commitment to the Ukrainian people has become a global inspiration, and his bravery is a prime example of human resilience. It is our privilege to present him with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. ”
Klitschko played professionally from 1996 to 2012, recording a record 45 wins and 2 losses – one of those losses was against the all-time great Lennox Lewis in the Englishman’s last professional match. Klitschko gave Lewis quite a fight before the game was halted due to a nasty cross in Klitschko’s face that was opened up by a clean Lewis shot.
