Vitali Klitschko

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This name uses Eastern Slavic naming customs; the patronymic is Volodymyrovych and the family name is Klitschko.
Vitali Klitschko
Віта́лій Кличко́
Vitali Klitschko September 2014.jpg
Mayor of Kiev
Assumed office
5 June 2014
Preceded by Halyna Hereha (Acting)
Head of the Kiev City State Administration
Assumed office
25 June 2014
Preceded by Volodymyr Bondarenko
Personal details
Born Vitali Volodymyrovych Klychko
(1971-07-19) 19 July 1971 (age 52)
Belovodskoye, Kirghiz SSR, Soviet Union
Political party Petro Poroshenko Bloc (2015–)
Ukrainian Democratic Alliance
for Reform (2010–2015)
Spouse(s) Natalia Egorova (1996–present)
Children Yegor-Daniel
Elizabeth-Victoria
Max
Alma mater Pereiaslav-Khmelnytsky
Pedagogical Institute
Taras Shevchenko National
University
Kyiv University of Physical
Science and Sports
Religion Ukrainian Orthodoxy
Signature
Website Official website
Deputy of the Kiev City Council
5th session
April 2006 – June 2008
Elected as: Klitschko Bloc "PORA–ROP",
6th session
June 2008 – December 2012
Elected as: Vitali Klitschko Bloc,
People's Deputy of Ukraine
7th convocation
12 December 2012 – 5 June 2014
Elected as: UDAR, No.1[1]

Vitali Volodymyrovych Klitschko (/vᵻˈtæli ˈklɪtʃkoʊ/; Ukrainian: Віта́лій Володи́мирович Кличко́, [ʋiˈtɑʎiɪ̯ klɪtʃˈkɔ]; born 19 July 1971, Belovodsk, Kyrgyzstan[2]) is a Ukrainian politician and former professional boxer, who currently serves as Mayor of Kiev (the capital and largest city in Ukraine)[3] and head of the Kiev City State Administration. He has held both offices since June 2014.

Klitschko is the leader of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc and a former Member of the Ukrainian Parliament.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10] He is the former WBC, WBO and The Ring magazine heavyweight champion and has been conferred as Champion Emeritus by the WBC. Klitschko became actively involved in Ukrainian politics in 2005 and combined this with his professional boxing career until his departure from boxing mid-December 2013.[6][11][12] Klitschko was the first professional boxing world champion to hold a PhD degree.

Klitschko was known for his powerful punches and durable chin. With an 87.23% knockout percentage rate, he holds the third best knockout-to-fight ratio of any champion in heavyweight boxing history, after ( second ) Rocky Marciano's 87.76% and ( first ) Deontay Wilder's 97.14% and is the 8th longest reigning heavyweight champion of all time. He has never been knocked down in any professional boxing bout. His two losses have come via a shoulder injury during a fight and a deep cut below his eye, which were recorded as RTD and TKO losses. In both fights, however, he was leading on the scorecards. His power and his possession of a doctorate have led to his nickname, Dr. Ironfist.

Klitschko formally began his political career in 2006 when he placed second in the Kiev mayoral race. In 2010 Klitschko founded the party Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform (UDAR) and was elected into parliament for this party in 2012. He was a leading figure in the 2013–2014 Euromaidan protests, and he announced his possible candidacy for the Ukrainian presidency but later withdrew and endorsed Petro Poroshenko.[nb 1] He was elected Mayor of Kiev on 25 May 2014.[14] Klitschko headed the election list of the winner of the 2014 Ukrainian parliamentary election, the Petro Poroshenko Bloc, but he gave up his parliamentary seat to stay on as Mayor of Kiev.[15][16][17] On 28 August 2015 the UDAR party merged into Petro Poroshenko Bloc.[4] Klitschko thus became the new party leader.[4] Klitschko was reelected as mayor on 15 November 2015.[18]

Klitschko's younger brother, Wladimir, was the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring world heavyweight champion.

Kickboxing and amateur boxing career (1985–1996)

Originally, Klitschko was an amateur kickboxer with a record of 34–1 with 22 knockouts .

  • In 1992, he was defeated in the final of the European Kickboxing Championships +89 kg light contact division by Englishman Pelé Reid when he was knocked out by a spin kick to the jaw.[19]
  • In 1993, he defeated Ryushi Yanagisawa in the Japanese mixed martial arts promotion Pancrase under WKA Special Rules (no low kicks) via R5 decision.
  • In 1994, he defeated Richard Vince by second round KO to retain his ISKA World Super Heavyweight title.
  • In 1995, he was defeated by knockout at the hands of William van Roosmalen, father of current kickboxer Robin van Roosmalen, in a kickboxing match in Ukraine.
  • Defeated Gitas Juškevičius (Lithuania) RSC-2
  • Defeated Attila Levin (Sweden) RET-2
  • Defeated Rene Monse (Germany) PTS (6–5)
  • Lost to Alexei Lezin (Russia) PTS (3–12)

1995 Super Heavyweight Gold Medalist at the Military World Championships in Ariccia, Italy. Results:

  • Defeated Kenneth Horsley (USA) RET-1
  • Defeated Svilen Rusinov (Bulgaria) RSC-1
  • Defeated Drago Mijić (Croatia) WO
  • Defeated Alexei Lezin (Russia) PTS (10–6)

In 1996, he turned professional and compiled a record of 34–1 with 22 knockouts. He was a world champion six times (professional and amateur).[20]

Professional boxing career (1996–2013)

Vitali Klitschko by Slawek.jpg
Klitschko in 2011
Statistics
Nickname(s) Dr. Ironfist
Rated at Heavyweight
Height Lua error in Module:Convert at line 1851: attempt to index local 'en_value' (a nil value).[21]
Reach 203 cm (80 in)
Nationality Ukrainian
Born Vitali Volodymyrovych Klychko
(1971-07-19) 19 July 1971 (age 52)
Belovodskoye, Kirghiz SSR, Soviet Union
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 47
Wins 45
Wins by KO 41
Losses 2

Klitschko won the super heavyweight championship at the first World Military Games in Italy in 1995. Vitali won the silver medal at the 1995 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Berlin, Germany, where he was defeated by Russia's Alexei Lezin in the final. In his autobiography, published in Germany in 2004, the boxer revealed that he tested positive for a banned steroid in 1996. He attributed the presence of the drug to treatment of a leg injury, but was dismissed from the Ukrainian boxing team and missed the Atlanta Olympics.[22] His brother Wladimir moved up from heavyweight to super heavyweight to take his place in the squad and won the Olympic gold medal. His amateur record was 195–15 with 80 knockouts.

Klitschko vs. Hide: First Heavyweight title

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Klitschko began his professional boxing career in 1996, winning his first twenty-four fights by either early knockout or technical knockout (TKO). He and Wladimir signed with the German athlete-promotion company Universum. With both brothers holding PhDs and being multilingual, their refined and articulate personalities made for mainstream marketability when they moved to Germany and Universum. In time, they became national celebrities in their adopted home country. In his 25th pro fight on 26 June 1999, Klitschko won the WBO Heavyweight title from Herbie Hide of the United Kingdom by a second round knockout. He successfully defended the title twice. He defeated Ed Mahone by knockout in the third round and beat Obed Sullivan, who retired after the ninth round.

Klitschko vs. Byrd

By April 2000 Vitali Klitschko was unbeaten and a rising star in the heavyweight division, having won all 27 of his contests by knockout. On 1 April, Klitschko had a third title defense against the American Chris Byrd, who was a late replacement.[23] Byrd made himself a difficult target and tried to thwart Klitschko's offense by being elusive. Klitschko won most of the rounds and was heading towards a comprehensive points victory when he suffered a serious shoulder injury. After the ninth round, Klitschko notified his corner that he had a shoulder pain and threw in the towel, thus handing Klitschko his first defeat and awarding Byrd the win by RTD. At the time of the stoppage, Klitschko had won 8 of 9 rounds on one judge's scorecard, and 7 of 9 on the two others. Klitschko, who was later diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, received much criticism for quitting the fight. Klitschko rebounded from his loss to Byrd by reeling off five victories in a row, earning himself a shot at WBC Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis.

Klitschko vs. Lennox Lewis

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Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko

The fight between Lewis and Klitschko was to take place in December 2003, and Klitschko signed for a tune-up fight on 21 June 2003 as part of the undercard of Lewis' fight with Kirk Johnson for the IBO title, as the WBC would not sanction the fight for their title. Johnson, however, pulled out of the fight due to injury and Klitschko, due to his being in training for a fight on the same day as Lewis, took the fight on short notice. Immediately after he accepted, the WBC elected to sanction the fight as a title match and Lewis' The Ring title was also up for grabs in addition to his lineal title.

Klitschko, a 4–1 underdog, dominated the early going with many harder punches. He stunned Lewis in the second round with two hard rights, leaving a cut under on Lennox's left eye.[24] In the third, Lewis landed a big right hand that opened a deep cut above Klitschko's left eye.[24] Lewis began to specifically target Vitali's cut. In the fourth round at 1:23, Lennox threw some body shots in a clinch. The referee told them to separate several times before actually separating them himself. This happened again at :33, with Jim Lampley saying, "Lewis taking advantage of the clinch to pound Vitali Klitschko to the belly." After the fourth round, Emanuel Steward, Lewis' trainer, could be heard telling Lewis, "One thing, you're pushing him all the time now. Keep pushing your weight on him, all while you're inside clinching." Klitschko was able to rally and Lewis, who had weighed in at his career heaviest for the fight, was breathing heavily after a few rounds. Perhaps the most controversial part came in round 5 at 2:12. Lampley commented throughout, "And good professional work by Lewis against the ribcage. As Vitali takes it, takes it, takes it, takes it! And referee Lou Moret just looks on!" George Foreman replied, "I don't know how the referee can let that holding and hitting go on." Larry Merchant told Foreman, "One punch, one hand is open. And you're allowed to do that, George-" "You can not hold and hit! If one guy's holding you, you have to break it!" Foreman told Merchant. Both men traded big shots, and in the sixth Lewis got through with a hard uppercut. As the sixth round was ending, Lewis punched Klitschko's injured eye twice in another clinch. Before the seventh round, the ringside doctor inspected the wound and deemed it severe enough to threaten eye damage if struck again, stopping the fight despite Klitschko's pleas to continue. Klitschko was ahead on all three judges' scorecards 58–56 (4 rounds to 2) at the time of the stoppage, but because the wound was a result of punches from Lewis, Lewis won by technical knockout.[24]

Lampley referred to the crowd's reaction, "You heard the response to the stoppage: Almost universal booing in the house." Klitschko, despite the loss, gained international respect for fighting so well against the Heavyweight Champion for 6 rounds. Negotiations for a 6 December rematch began.[25] After negotiations collapsed, Vitali defeated Kirk Johnson in a WBC Eliminator bout on 6 December date,[26] setting up a mandatory rematch with Lewis. In January 2004, the WBC announced that it would strip Lewis of the belt if he let pass a 15 March deadline to sign for a rematch with Vitali.[27] Shortly thereafter, Lewis announced his retirement and vacated the title. For years after this fight, Klitschko would still occasionally call out Lewis, despite the fact that Lewis has been retired since early 2004, for a rematch.[28]

Around this time the Klitschko brothers moved from Hamburg, Germany to Los Angeles. In January 2004 they notified Universum that they would not re-sign when their contracts expired in April. Universum sued the brothers, arguing that their recent injuries had triggered a clause binding them beyond April. The suit was ultimately resolved in favor of the Klitschkos in November 2009.[29]

Klitschko vs. Sanders: Second Heavyweight Title

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Klitschko faced South African Corrie Sanders on 24 April 2004 for the WBC heavyweight championship and The Ring belts that had been vacated by Lewis. Sanders had stopped younger brother Wladimir in the second round (TKO) on 8 March 2003. Klitschko was rocked in round one by Sanders, but by using upper-body movement and accurate punching he broke down Sanders, forcing referee Jon Schorle to stop the bout. Vitali landed 60% of his power punches.

Klitschko vs. Williams

Klitschko's first WBC title defense was against British boxer Danny Williams. Williams had become suddenly marketable from a KO over Mike Tyson in round 4. Klitschko scored a technical knockout against Williams in 8 rounds on 11 December 2004, while wearing an orange cloth to show support for the Ukrainian presidential opposition movement. Klitschko knocked Williams down in the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 8th rounds before the fight was stopped. Immediately afterward, Klitschko dedicated his victory to democracy in his native Ukraine and also to the Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko, whom he supported in 26 December 2004, election revote.[30]

Brothers Wladimir (left) and Vitali (right) Klitschko sporting the colors of the Orange Revolution.

2005–2007 retirement

On 9 November 2005, Klitschko announced his retirement from professional boxing and vacated his title. He had been training to fight Hasim Rahman, however, nine days before the fight, he injured his leg while sparring. He snapped his anterior cruciate ligament, which with surgery would take up to a year to heal and possibly prove career ending. To avoid keeping the title out of use he retired. The WBC was grateful for his consideration. On other occasions he cited regrets about his suddenly mounting injuries, a desire to leave the sport while still on top and political aspirations in his home country of Ukraine.[31] Following his retirement, the WBC conferred "champion emeritus" status on Klitschko, and assured him he would become the mandatory challenger if and when he decided to return.[32]

Klitschko vs. Peter: Third Heavyweight Title

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. On 3 August 2008 the WBC awarded Klitschko a chance to regain his WBC Heavyweight title. After Vitali's retirement, his younger brother had established dominance in the division, winning two of the four world titles available. The reigning WBC Champion was Samuel Peter (who had lost a decision to Wladimir in a thrilling fight in 2005). At the time, there was interest in a potential Peter vs. Wladimir unification match. Instead, Vitali took advantage of his champion emeritus status and secured a title challenge against Peter. The fight was arranged on 11 October 2008 at O2 World, Berlin. It would be one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in the past few years. Both men had a rightful claim to being the champion and the stakes for the future of the heavyweight division were high. Despite some questioning Vitali's decision to return after four years, he managed to regain his title in dominating fashion. Klitschko had Peter intimidated from the first round and stunned him with accurate hard punches. Klitschko kept the hard-punching Nigerian off with an effective left jab and took control in the center of the ring. Over eight rounds, Klitschko completely dismantled and outfought the younger champion. After the eighth round, Peter slumped on his stool, shook his head and asked that the bout be stopped. With the Samuel Peter victory, Klitschko technically became one of the few men to ever hold a version of the World Heavyweight Championship three times – WBO (1999–2000), WBC (2004–2005) and WBC (2008–2012).

Klitschko vs. Gomez, Arreola and Johnson

On 21 March 2009, Klitschko defeated Juan Carlos Gomez by TKO in the ninth round. Gomez tried to use his movement to thwart Vitali, but seemed unable to cope with the power and physical strength of his opponent. As the rounds progressed, Klitschko began imposing himself on Gomez more and more. Gomez soon became wary of Klitschko's power and also began to tire physically. By the sixth round, Vitali was in total control. The end came when the referee stopped the fight in the ninth round as Gomez appeared unable to withstand any more hits.

On 26 September, Klitschko earned a one-sided TKO victory over Chris Arreola at the Staples Center in Los Angeles when Arreola's trainer, Henry Ramirez, asked the referee to stop the fight.[33] Arreola was considered at the time one of the division's hardest punchers; however, Klitschko kept Arreola at bay with his left jab and hit him almost at will with his right. Arreola had been influenced by Samuel Peter's defeat to Klitschko in 2008, in which Peter had tried to box from the outside. He therefore employed a game-plan which involved applying constant pressure to Vitali in order to force him into a high tempo fight. Despite his best efforts, the bout became one sided very quickly. Klitschko consistently proved himself faster, sharper and much fitter than Arreola.

On 12 December, Vitali defeated Kevin Johnson by unanimous decision, winning almost every round. Johnson, a skillful fighter, tried to negate Klitschko's strength with angles and head movement. Though he proved hard to hit, he failed to launch any sustained attack of his own. After the Johnson bout, Klitschko's camp began negotiations for a potential fight with former WBA Champion Nikolai Valuev, but the match failed to materialize due to economic disagreements.[34][35][36][37] [38]

Klitschko vs. Sosnowski, Briggs and Solis

On 29 May 2010, Vitali Klitschko defeated Polish heavyweight contender Albert Sosnowski by KO at 2:30 in round 10 of 12. Sosnowski was knocked down by a right hand in the 10th round, prompting referee Jay Nady to immediately wave off the fight. The fight took place at Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

Klitschko vs Sosnowski, 29 May 2010

Vitali Klitschko weighed in at 112 kg (247 lbs), while Sosnowski weighed in at 110 kg (242.5 lbs). This voluntary defense was Vitali's 4th defense of the WBC Heavyweight title. Sosnowski was the No. 11 ranked heavyweight according to the WBC prior to this bout. [39]

On 17 August 2010, it was announced that Klitschko would defend his WBC title against Shannon Briggs on 16 October of that year. Klitschko completely dismantled his challenger with superior hand speed. Briggs struggled to land any meaningful punches, as Klitschko won every round decisively. After a few rounds, Briggs was receiving a vicious and sustained beating which caused him serious facial injuries. Considering the beating he was receiving, there was some suggestion that the referee should have stopped the bout during the last few rounds. Klitschko had retained his belt with official scores of 120–107, 120–105, and 120–107.[40][41]

During the post-fight interview, the American boxer Briggs said: “I’ve fought George Foreman, I’ve fought Lennox Lewis, and Vitali’s the best.” While Klitschko did not knock down Briggs, the latter collapsed after the fight and was hospitalized with facial fractures and a torn biceps.

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Main article: Vitali Klitschko vs. Odlanier Solís

Klitschko's next fight was against mandatory challenger Odlanier Solis. The bout was tentatively scheduled for March 2011.[42] On 11 January, it was officially confirmed that the fight between Klitschko and Solis was going to take place in Cologne, Germany on 19 March 2011. The fight lasted less than one whole round, as a right hand to Solis's temple wobbled Solis, who then twisted his knee. Klitschko won by KO.[43][44]

Klitschko vs. Adamek, Chisora and Charr

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Main article: Vitali Klitschko vs. Tomasz Adamek

Now aged 40, Klitschko retained his WBC heavyweight title against Tomasz Adamek on 10 September 2011 in Poland, winning by TKO in the 10th round. The referee stopped the bout after Adamek received punishing blows and was ruled out, as he was no longer able to defend himself.

After turning 41 on 19 July 2012, Vitali became one of the oldest Heavyweight Champions in history. Despite having a four-year hiatus from the sport, Vitali has proven to be a remarkably effective and dominant Heavyweight Champion once again. Alongside his brother Wladimir, he also fights on for their shared ambition of holding all four Heavyweight Championship belts together, an ambition that was realised on 2 July 2011 when brother Wladimir defeated David Haye to win the WBA Heavyweight Championship.

In January 2012, he was awarded WBC Fighter of the Year for 2011.[45] Klitschko was in negotiations for a possible bout with former WBA Heavyweight title holder David Haye on 3 March 2012.[46][47][48]

Vitali and his brother, Wladimir, held every major championship belt before his retirement.

After Wladimir Klitschko had to cancel his fight with Jean-Marc Mormeck, it was thought that Vitali was likely to fight on 25 February 2012.[49] Sources in Germany reported that he was likely to fight British contender Dereck Chisora on 18 February 2012 in Olympiahalle, Munich, Bayern.[50][51][52]

It was confirmed on 12 December 2011 that Dereck Chisora would be Vitali Klitschko's next opponent.[53][54] Vitali Klitschko retained his WBC Championship belt unanimously in a dominant display in Munich. The fight was fought against a backdrop of antagonism displayed by the contender Dereck Chisora at the weigh in. Chisora slapped Klitschko across the face causing a red mark to be left.[55] The next day Chisora spat water over the face of Vitali's brother Wladimir.[56]

Vitali won the majority of the rounds boxing a disciplined fight with changing angles and superior footwork. Chisora, constantly coming forward delivering punishing body shots, failed to wear down the older man. The scores were: 118–110, 118–110, 119–111.[57] The next day Vitali visited a hospital to check his shoulder, claiming he injured it in the fight. A doctor confirmed a ligament tear was suffered in his left shoulder. Klitschko said he "suddenly lost strength in the left hand" and was forced to only use his right. The injury was believed to have happened in the second or third round. Klitschko's trainer, Fritz Zdunek, believes this is the same kind of injury Vitali suffered in his fight with Byrd.[58]

At the post-fight press conference, a brawl ensued between Haye and Chisora. After the altercation, Chisora challenged Haye to a fight in the ring and said, "I am going to shoot David Haye." Chisora was later arrested at a German airport along with his coach, Don Charles. His comments and actions were later condemned by Frank Warren, his promoter, and Wladimir Klitschko. [59][60][61][62]

On 2 July 2012, it was announced that Vitali Klitschko will defend his WBC Heavyweight title on 8 September at the Olympic Indoor Arena in Moscow, Russia.[63] His opponent for the fight was the then undefeated Manuel Charr 21–0 (11 KO).[64] Klitschko won the fight via technical knockout when Charr had to be stopped due to a cut received from Vitali's punches.[65]

Klitschko was expected to face Bermane Stiverne in a mandatory title defense, but was forced to pull out due to injury.[66]

Stepping back from boxing

On 15 December 2013, Vitali Klitschko stepped back from boxing. He was announced champion emeritus, which means that if he wants to return to boxing, he can fight the WBC Heavyweight Champion without having any fights beforehand.[6] But (right after his retirement from boxing), Klitschko stated "That is something I currently cannot imagine".[6] The WBC title was vacated and later contested by Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne.[67] Commenting on his decision, he stated "My focus is on politics in Ukraine and I feel the people there need me".[6] He also added, "I thank the WBC and its president Jose Sulaiman for the support in our battle for democracy and freedom in Ukraine".[6]

Political career (since 2005)

During the 2004 Ukrainian presidential election and the following Orange Revolution, the Klitschko brothers openly supported the candidacy of Viktor Yushchenko.[11] In 2005, (Vitali) Klitschko was appointed an adviser to President Yushchenko.[11] In October 2006, he was promoted to full-time adviser.[11]

Klitschko began campaigning for Mayor of Kiev shortly after his retirement in 2005. He lost the 2006 mayoral election to Leonid Chernovetskyi but placed second with 26% of the vote, ahead of the incumbent Oleksandr Omelchenko[68] Klitschko campaigned on an anti-corruption platform[68] and lead the bloc "Civic party" PORA-ROP (the parties PORA and Reforms and Order Party) in the simultaneously held local elections for the Kiev City Council.[69] Analysts stated his relatively late entry into the campaign might have cost him votes. Still, Klitschko was elected as a people's deputy to the Kiev City Council since "Civic party" PORA-ROP won 14 seats in the 2006 election.[69][70]

Klitschko with Wilfried Martens, former president of the European Peoples Party.

In the May 2008 Kiev local election, he ran again and won 18% of the vote. Klitschko simultaneously led the Vitaliy Klychko Bloc that won 10.61% of the votes and 15 seats and again, he was elected into the Kiev City Council.[71] His campaign hired Rudy Giuliani as a consultant for the campaign.[68] In 2008, he was also appointed to the Ukrainian delegation of the Congress of the Council of Europe.

Klitschko became the leader of the political party Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform (UDAR) in April 2010.[72] During the 2010 Ukrainian local elections, the party won representatives in (Ukrainian) municipalities and Oblast Councils (regional parliaments).[73][74][75]

Klitscho and UDAR became a partner of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany in November 2011.[76] Udar is supported by the German government and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation[77][78] and received support in particular from Angela Merkel and also politicians from the conservative European People's Party. According to information gained by the German magazine DER SPIEGEL, the target was to "set up Klitschko purposefully as a new strong man in Kiew – in order to counter this way the Kremlin's growing influence". Support consisted in logistics, training and joint performances. Assistance was also promised by Christoph Heusgen, Ronald Pofalla and Guido Westerwelle.[79]

Klitschko, Poroshenko, Tyahnybok and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, 25 February 2014

In October 2011, Klitschko announced that he would run in the 2012 Kiev mayoral election.[80]

During the 2012 Ukrainian parliamentary election, Klitschko was elected (he was top candidate on UDAR's party list) into the Ukrainian parliament; when his party won 40 seats.[8][9][10] Klitschko was chosen the leader of the party's faction in Parliament.[81]

Klitschko announced on 24 October 2013 that he intended to take part in the next Ukrainian presidential election that was then set for 2015.[82][nb 2] Experts and lawyers then argued that it was unclear if Klitschko could take part in these elections.[82] Under Ukrainian law, a presidential candidate must have had his residence in Ukraine for the past ten years prior to election day; and Klitschko had lived for many years in Ukraine and Germany, where, according to media reports, he has a residence permit.[82] Opinion polls since early 2011 showed that the predicted percentage of votes that Klitschko would gain in the first round of the 2014 Ukrainian presidential election enlarged from 4.8% in December 2011 to 15.1% in February 2013, and an October 2013 Razumkov Centre poll predicted 19.3%.[84][85][nb 3]

Klitschko with Polish politicians Donald Tusk and Ewa Kopacz, 22 March 2014

Klitschko was one of the dominant figures of the Euromaidan protests.[6] During these protests, he retired from boxing.[6] He confirmed on 28 February 2014 that he would take part in the (early) 2014 Ukrainian presidential election.[87][nb 4] But on 29 March 2014 announced that he had changed his mind and would run for the post of Mayor of Kiev in the 2014 Kiev local election (including Mayoral elections) set for 25 May 2014.[89][90] In the 2014 Ukrainian presidential election Klitschko endorsed the candidacy of Petro Poroshenko.[91] Klitschko won Kiev's mayoral elections with almost 57% of the votes.[14][92] He was sworn in as mayor on 5 June 2014.[3] The same day the Ukrainian parliament had deprived Klitschko of his MP mandate (Ukrainian MPs are not entitled to combine parliamentary activities with any other public employment).[5] Poroshenko was elected President of Ukraine on 25 May 2014.[13]

Poroshenko appointed Klitschko as head of Kiev City State Administration on 25 June 2014.[93]

Klitschko headed the election list of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc in the late October 2014 Ukrainian parliamentary election, but he vowed not to resign as Mayor of Kiev.[15] On 21 November 2014 Klitschko gave up his seat in the new parliament.[16] Petro Poroshenko Bloc won the election with 132 seats.[94][17]

On 28 August 2015 the UDAR merged into Petro Poroshenko Bloc.[4] Klitschko became the new party leader.[4]

In the 2015 Kiev Mayoral election Klitschko was reelected with 66.5% of vote.[18] For this he needed a second round of Mayoral elections between him and Boryslav Bereza after incumbent Klitschko scored 40.5% of the vote and Bereza 8.8% in the first round.[95][96][97] (Bereza gained 33.51% of the vote in the second round of Mayoral elections.[18])

Political positions

Klitschko is in favor of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.[98][99] He sees the European Union as Ukraine's "model for our[Ukraine's] future political and economic development."[100] He believes former President Viktor Yanukovych and his government were "deliberately destroying the integration (into Europe) prospects of Ukraine"[101] and that Ukrainian politicians have no right to let them "rule after 2014".[98] Klitschko is also in favour of NATO-Ukraine cooperation.[102]

Vitali, leader of the political party UDAR seen in the crowd on Khreschatyk street in Kiev, Ukraine on 27 November 2013.

Klitschko's main concern is social standards and the economy of Ukraine.[103] He believes "the issue of language is not the top priority".[103] Klitschko wants less corruption and more transparency in Ukrainian politics.[100][104] He also advocates lower taxes to stimulate the economy.[100][103] Klitschko did accuse in October 2011 President Yanukovych and the Azarov Government of "doing everything to manipulate the rules to stay in power longer";[104] furthermore (in December 2011) he assert(ed) "every statement of the government" as "a continuation of lies and disinformation."[101] He has also taken part in rallies for former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko release.[98][105][nb 5]

In December 2011 Klitschko described the judicial system of Ukraine as "complete degradation" and accused it of violating human rights and humiliating its prisoners.[112] According to him Ukraine lacks independent and unbiased judges because "The Ukrainian judiciary is currently a closed clan; lifelong judges and appointments through administrative leverage".[103] He wants to ensure the independence of judges by switching from a system of appointed judges to a system of elected judges.[103]

In July 2012 party-leader Klitschko stated his party UDAR will not cooperate with the Party of Regions in the Ukrainian Parliament.[113]

In early April 2013 Klitschko called for early presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine.[114]

Personal life

Klitschko's father, Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko (1947–2011), was a Soviet Air Force major general and a Soviet military attaché in East Germany. The elder Klitschko was also one of the commanders in charge of cleaning up the effects of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster in 1986 and was afterward diagnosed with cancer.[115] His mother is Nadezhda Ulyanovna.[116]

Klitschko has been accused of working as a debt collector in the 1990s for mafia boss Viktor Rybalko.[117][118][119][nb 6] Klitschko has vehemently denied links to Rybalko.[117][118][119]

Vitali Klitschko is married to Natalia Egorova, a former athlete and model.[11] They met in Kiev and got married on 26 April 1996. He has three children, Yegor-Daniel, Elizabeth-Victoria and Max (named after the former World Heavyweight Champion Max Schmeling).[120][121]

Vitali Klitschko (left) playing chess with Vladimir Kramnik, Dortmund, 2002.

In 1996, Klitschko graduated from the Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky Pedagogical Institute (Ukraine)[11] and was accepted into the postgraduate study program at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. On 29 February 2000, he presented his doctoral thesis on "talent and sponsorship in sports"[122] at the "Kyiv University of Physical Science and Sports" and his PhD in Sports Science was conferred.

Klitschko has lived for years in Germany (in addition to residing in Kiev).[119] According to Klitschko "Germany adopted me, I really love Germany, but I'm not German".[119]

Both Vitali and his brother are avid chess players. Vitali is a friend of former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik; and the two have played, with Kramnik always winning. Vitali has commented that "chess is similar to boxing. You need to develop a strategy, and you need to think two or three steps ahead about what your opponent is doing. You have to be smart. But what's the difference between chess and boxing? In chess, nobody is an expert, but everybody plays. In boxing everybody is an expert, but nobody fights."[123]

Vitali and his brother also have been involved in charitable activities dedicated to support the needs of schools, churches and children. In 2002, the Klitschko brothers announced that they had agreed to work for UNESCO.[citation needed]

Awards

Professional boxing record

45 Wins (41 knockouts, 4 decisions), 2 Losses, 0 Draws[125]
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Win 45–2 Germany Manuel Charr TKO 4 (12), 2:04 2012-09-08 Russia Olympic Indoor Arena, Moscow, Central Federal District Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 44–2 United Kingdom Dereck Chisora UD 12 2012-02-18 Germany Olympiahalle, Munich, Bayern Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 43–2 Poland Tomasz Adamek TKO 10 (12), 2:20 2011-09-10 Poland Municipal Stadium, Wrocław, Lower Silesian Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 42–2 Cuba Odlanier Solis KO 1 (12), 3:00 2011-03-19 Germany Lanxess Arena, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 41–2 United States Shannon Briggs UD 12 2010-10-16 Germany O2 World Arena, Altona, Hamburg Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 40–2 Poland Albert Sosnowski KO 10 (12), 2:30 2010-05-29 Germany Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 39–2 United States Kevin Johnson UD 12 2009-12-12 Switzerland PostFinance Arena, Bern, Canton of Bern Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 38–2 United States Chris Arreola RTD 10 (12), 3:00 2009-09-26 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 37–2 Cuba Juan Carlos Gómez TKO 9 (12), 1:49 2009-03-21 Germany Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg Retained WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 36–2 Nigeria Samuel Peter RTD 8 (12), 3:00 2008-10-11 Germany O2 World, Friedrichshain, Berlin Won WBC Heavyweight title.
Win 35–2 United Kingdom Danny Williams TKO 8 (12), 1:26 2004-12-11 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Retained WBC & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 34–2 South Africa Corrie Sanders TKO 8 (12), 2:46 2004-04-24 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Won vacant WBC & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 33–2 Canada Kirk Johnson TKO 2 (12), 2:54 2003-12-06 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator.
Loss 32–2 United Kingdom Lennox Lewis TKO 6 (12), 3:00 2003-06-21 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California For WBC, IBO, Lineal & The Ring Heavyweight titles. Fight stopped due to a Klitschko cut.
Win 32–1 United States Larry Donald TKO 10 (12), 2:35 2002-11-23 Germany Arena Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
WBA Heavyweight Title Eliminator.
Win 31–1 United States Vaughn Bean TKO 11 (12), 1:40 2002-02-08 Germany Volkswagen Halle, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 30–1 United States Ross Puritty TKO 11 (12), 1:16 2001-12-08 Germany König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 29–1 United States Orlin Norris KO 1 (12), 1:09 2001-01-27 Germany Rudi Sedlmayer Halle, Munich, Bayern Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 28–1 Germany Timo Hoffmann UD 12 2000-11-25 Germany Preussag Arena, Hannover, Niedersachsen Won vacant EBU Heavyweight title.
Loss 27–1 United States Chris Byrd RTD 9 (12), 3:00 2000-04-01 Germany Estrel Convention Center, Neukölln, Berlin Lost WBO Heavyweight title. Fight stopped due to a Klitschko shoulder injury.
Win 27–0 United States Obed Sullivan RTD 9 (12), 3:00 1999-12-11 Germany Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 26–0 United States Ed Mahone TKO 3 (12), 1:45 1999-10-09 Germany König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 25–0 United Kingdom Herbie Hide KO 2 (12), 1:14 1999-06-26 United Kingdom New London Arena, Millwall, Greater London Won WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 24–0 France Ismael Youla TKO 2 (12), 1:30 1999-02-20 Germany Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg Retained EBU Heavyweight title.
Win 23–0 Italy Francesco Spinelli TKO 1 (12), 1:49 1998-12-05 Ukraine Sport Palace, Kiev, Kiev Oblast Retained EBU Heavyweight title.
Win 22–0 Germany Mario Schiesser TKO 2 (12), 2:00 1998-10-24 Germany Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg Won vacant EBU Heavyweight title.
Win 21–0 Jamaica Ricardo Kennedy TKO 1 (8), 1:31 1998-08-11 United States Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort, Miami, Florida
Win 20–0 Cuba Jose Ribalta TKO 2 (8), 2:13 1998-06-05 Germany Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg
Win 19–0 United States Dicky Ryan TKO 5 (12) 1998-05-02 Germany Hansehalle, Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein Won vacant WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 18–0 United Kingdom Julius Francis TKO 2 (12) 1998-04-18 Germany Eurogress, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 17–0 United States Levi Billups KO 2 (10) 1998-03-20 Germany Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 16–0 United States Louis Monaco KO 3 (10) 1998-03-07 Germany Sartory Saale, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 15–0 Bulgaria Alben Belinski KO 2 (8) 1998-01-30 Germany Berdux Filmstudios, Munich, Bayern
Win 14–0 United States Marcus Rhode TKO 2 (10) 1998-01-17 Germany Sport und Erholungszentrum, Friedrichshain, Berlin
Win 13–0 United States Anthony Willis KO 5 (8) 1997-12-20 Germany Oberrheinhalle, Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg
Win 12–0 United States Herman Delgado TKO 3 (8) 1997-11-29 Germany Rheinstrandhalle, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg
Win 11–0 United States Gilberto Williamson KO 6 (8), 2:50 1997-11-08 Germany Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 10–0 United States Will Hinton KO 2 (6) 1997-10-04 Germany Stadionsporthalle, Hannover, Niedersachsen
Win 9–0 United States Jimmy Haynes KO 2 (6) 1997-06-14 Germany Saaltheater Geulen, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 8–0 United States Cleveland Woods KO 2 (6), 2:16 1997-05-10 Germany Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 7–0 United States Derrick Roddy TKO 2 (6), 2:14 1997-04-12 Germany Eurogress, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 6–0 United States Calvin Jones KO 1 (6), 2:58 1997-03-08 Germany Sartory Saale, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 5–0 Canada Troy Roberts TKO 2 (6), 1:14 1997-02-22 Germany Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg
Win 4–0 United States Mike Acklie KO 1 (6), 0:32 1997-01-25 Germany Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
Win 3–0 United States Brian Sargent TKO 2 (6), 1:08 1996-12-21 Germany Zoo-Gesellschaftshaus, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 2–0 Slovakia Frantisek Sumina TKO 1 (4), 1:12 1996-11-30 Austria Arena Nova, Wiener Neustadt, Niederösterreich
Win 1–0 United States Tony Bradham KO 2 (4), 1:14 1996-11-16 Germany Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg Professional debut.

See also

Klitschko brothers on a 2010 Ukrainian stamp

Notes

  1. ↑ Petro Poroshenko was elected President of Ukraine on 25 May 2014.[13]
  2. ↑ In December 2013, he stated "My plans have no changed. I made a decision [...] I will run for president of Ukraine[83]
  3. ↑ Since February 2013 polls predict that Klitschko will win the second round of the 2015 presidential election against incumbent President Viktor Yanukovych.[86][84]
  4. ↑ Amidst the Euromaidan protests and on 11 December 2013, in a confidential hacked conversation, US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland told the United States Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey R. Pyatt, "I don't think 'Klitsch' should go into the government... I don't think it's a good idea. I think 'Yats' is the guy who's got the economic experience, the governing experience. He ... needs 'Klitsch' and Tyahnybok on the outside... talking to them four times a week."[88]
  5. ↑ Klitschko wanted former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and former Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko to be able to participate in the 2012 parliamentary elections (Lutsenko has been charged with abuse of power and Tymoshenko has been sentenced on the same charge).[105][106] Tymoshenko was released on 22 February 2014, in the concluding days of the "Maidan revolution", following a revision of the Ukrainian criminal code that effectively decriminalized the actions for which she was imprisoned and officially rehabilitated on 28 February 2014.[107][108][109][110] Lutsenko was on 7 April 2013 released from prison because Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had pardoned him (among others) for health reasons.[111]
  6. ↑ After 25 December 2013 attack on Tetiana Chornovol police investigator Mykola Chynchyn stated that one of the suspects in this case used to be in a criminal organization led by Viktor Rybalko; and added "The Klitschko brothers allegedly were closely involved in Rybalko's organization".[117]

References

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  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Vitali Klitschko sworn in as Kyiv mayor, Interfax-Ukraine (5 June 2014)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Klitschko becomes leader of Petro Poroshenko Bloc 'Solidarity' party, Interfax-Ukraine (28 August 2015)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Klitschko becomes Kyiv Mayor officially, Ukrinform (5 June 2014)
    Klitschko was deprived of parliamentary mandate, NovostiMira (5 June 2014)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Vitali Klitschko: Heavyweight champion swaps boxing for politics, BBC Sport (67 December 2013)
  7. ↑ "You Scratch My Back, and I’ll Scratch Yours", The Ukrainian Week (26 September 2012)
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Q&A:Ukrainian parliamentary election, BBC News (23 October 2012)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Ukraine election:President Yanukovych party claims win, BBC News (29 October 2012)
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Parties spend over Hr 600 million on elections, according to report", Kyiv Post (16 November 2012)
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 (Russian) Short bio, LIGA
  12. ↑ Furman, Luke (25 December 2013) Vitali Klitschko Won't Rule Out Another Ring Return – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Klitschko officially announced as winner of Kyiv mayor election, Interfax-Ukraine (4 June 2014)
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 (Russian) Pilots, combat, and journalists. Who goes to the new Verkhovna Rada , Korrespondent.net (September 15, 2014)
    Klitschko: I lead my team to Parliament, UDAR official website (14.09.2014)
    Deadline for nomination of candidates running in early election to Rada expires, ITAR-TASS (September 15, 2014)
    Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Poroshenko Bloc to have greatest number of seats in parliament, Ukrinform (8 November 2014)
    People's Front 0.33% ahead of Poroshenko Bloc with all ballots counted in Ukraine elections – CEC, Interfax-Ukraine (8 November 2014)
    Poroshenko Bloc to get 132 seats in parliament – CEC, Interfax-Ukraine (8 November 2014)
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Kyiv Mayor Klitschko reelected with 66.5% of vote, 100% of ballot protocols processed – preliminary data. En.interfax.com.ua (2015-11-16). Retrieved on 2015-11-29.
  19. ↑ Pele Reid spin kick against V. Klitschko in world championship, Full fight. YouTube. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
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  49. ↑ Vitali Klitschko vs Chisora, Dimitrenko or Haye on 2/25?, Boxingscene.com, 8 December 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  50. ↑ Klitschko vs Chisora on February 18, Then Haye in June, Boxingscene.com, 13 December 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  51. ↑ Vitali Klitschko to defend WBC title against Dereck Chisora – ESPN. ESPN.go.com (12 December 2011). Retrieved 22 February 2012.
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  55. ↑ Dereck Chisora slaps Vitali Klitschko at weigh-in for world title fight, metro.co.uk (17 February 2012)
  56. ↑ Klitschko vs Chisora: Dereck Chisora Spits in the Face of Wladimir Klitschko (Video) badlefthook.com, 18 February 2012.
  57. ↑ Vitali Klitschko taken the distance by Dereck Chisora in Munich BBC.co.uk (19 February 2012).
  58. ↑ Vitali Gets Medical Check, Left Shoulder Injury Confirmed, Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  59. ↑ Dereck Chisora spits water on Wladimir Klitschko on YouTube. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  60. ↑ Haye vs Chisora Fight Video from Munich Presser – Full video on YouTube (18 February 2012). Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  61. ↑ Dereck Chisora slaps Vitali Klitschko at Weigh In on YouTube. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  62. ↑ Dereck Chisora makes Vitali Klitschko fight to retain crown, The Guardian, 19 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
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  74. ↑ (Ukrainian) Сергій Одарич формуватиме більшість у міськраді Черкас, Cherkasy city council website (8 November 2010)
  75. ↑ (Ukrainian) Мером Львова обрано Андрія Садового, ЛьвівNEWS (November 2010)
  76. ↑ (German) 24. CDU-Bundesparteitag in Leipzig, Christian Democratic Union branch Düren-Jülich (15 November 2011)
    (German) „Politik ist wie ein Boxkampf“: Vitali Klitschko beim CDU-Parteitag in Leipzig im Interview, Leipziger Volkszeitung (14 November 2011)
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  81. ↑ UDAR elects faction's leadership in parliament, Kyiv Post (12 December 2012)
  82. ↑ 82.0 82.1 82.2 Vitali Klitschko says intends to run for president in Ukraine, Interfax-Ukraine (24 October 2013)
    Parliament passes law that could prevent Klitschko from running for president, Interfax-Ukraine (24 October 2013)
  83. ↑ Кличко подтверждает намерение баллотироваться в президенты. Interfax.com.ua (24 December 2013). Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  84. ↑ 84.0 84.1 (Ukrainian) ЕЛЕКТОРАЛЬНІ НАМІРИ ВИБОРЦІВ УКРАЇНИ НАПРИКІНЦІ ТРАВНЯ, KIIS (30 May 2013)
    (Ukrainian) Электоральные предпочтения украинцев в начале нового политического сезона, R&B Group (25 September 2013)
    (Ukrainian) Електоральні орієнтації громадян України та ставлення до провідних політиків, Razumkov Centre (14 October 2013)
  85. ↑ Every fourth Ukrainian ready to vote for Yanukovych in presidential election – poll, Interfax-Ukraine (6 March 2013)
    Survey: Yanukovych and Tymoshenko would compete for presidency in early presidential elections, Interfax-Ukraine (28 December 2012)
    Poll: Yanukovych leads Tymoshenko in presidential rankings by small margin, Interfax-Ukraine (5 December 2011)
    Tymoshenko leads presidential rating – poll, Interfax-Ukraine (27 December 2011)
    Poll: Yanukovych has highest ‘presidential’ rating, Interfax-Ukraine (25 February 2011)
  86. ↑ Ratings of politicians in presidential elections: February 2013, Sociological group "RATING" (6 March 2013)
  87. ↑ Klitschko confirms he, Tymoshenko will run for president, Interfax-Ukraine (28 February 2014)
  88. ↑ BBC News – Ukraine crisis: Transcript of leaked Nuland-Pyatt call. BBC.com (7 February 2014). Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  89. ↑ Parliament sets elections for Kyiv mayor and Kyiv City Council deputies for May 25, Interfax-Ukraine (25 February 2014)
  90. ↑ Klitschko will run for mayor of Kyiv, Interfax-Ukraine (29 March 2014)
  91. ↑ Klitschko believes only presidential candidate from democratic forces should be Poroshenko, Interfax-Ukraine (29 March 2014)
  92. ↑ Ukraine boxing hero Klitschko claims Kiev mayor seat, The Straits Times (26 May 2014)
  93. ↑ Poroshenko appoints Klitschko head of Kyiv city administration – decree, Interfax-Ukraine (25 June 2014)
    Poroshenko orders Klitschko to bring title of best European capital back to Kyiv, Interfax-Ukraine (25 June 2014)
  94. ↑ Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk’s parties maneuver for lead role in coalition , Kyiv Post (29 October 2014)
    New Verkhovna Rada, Kyiv Post (Oct. 30, 2014)
  95. ↑ Klitschko undisputed leader in elections for Kyiv mayor, while second round possible – Savik Shuster Studio exit poll. En.interfax.com.ua (2015-10-25). Retrieved on 2015-11-29.
  96. ↑ With 100% of ballots counted, Klitschko, Bereza to stand in Kyiv mayoral election runoff. En.interfax.com.ua (2015-10-30). Retrieved on 2015-11-29.
  97. ↑ Klitschko, MP Bereza enter 2nd round of Kyiv mayor election — Ukrinform News. Ukrinform.net (2015-10-30). Retrieved on 2015-11-29.
  98. ↑ 98.0 98.1 98.2 Klitschko says he responsibly considers possibility of running for president, Interfax-Ukraine (21 August 2013)
  99. ↑ Klitschko, Merkel discuss prospects for signing EU-Ukraine association agreement, Kyiv Post (5 December 2012)
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  102. ↑ (Ukrainian) Кличко закликає активніше говорити про НАТО, Ukrayinska Pravda (26 November 2011)
  103. ↑ 103.0 103.1 103.2 103.3 103.4 In Pursuit of the Presidency, The Ukrainian Week (8 July 2013)
  104. ↑ 104.0 104.1 Klitschko meets with McCain to discuss deterioration of democracy in Ukraine, Kyiv Post (12 October 2011)
  105. ↑ 105.0 105.1 Thousands rally for Ukraine ex-PM’s release, Oman Daily Observer (23 January 2012)
  106. ↑ Tymoshenko, Lutsenko should participate in 2012 parliamentary elections, says Klychko, Interfax Ukraine (23 January 2012)
  107. ↑ Ukraine's ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko officially rehabilitated – News – World – The Voice of Russia: News, Breaking news, Politics, Economics, Business, Russia, International current events, Expert opinion, podcasts, Video. The Voice of Russia. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
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    Ukraine protests timeline, BBC News (23 February 2014)
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  111. ↑ Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych pardons Yulia Tymoshenko allies, BBC News (8 April 2013)
    Ukrainian leader Yanukovych pardons Tymoshenko ally, BBC News (7 April 2013)
    Ukrainian president pardons Lutsenko and Filipchuk – decree, Interfax-Ukraine (7 April 2013)
  112. ↑ Klitschko: Holding court on Tymoshenko in cell shows degradation of judicial system in Ukraine, Kyiv Post (8 December 2011)
  113. ↑ (Ukrainian) Кличко каже, що не співпрацюватиме в парламенті з Партією регіонів Klitschko says he does not cooperate in Parliament with the Party of Regions, The Ukrainian Week (18 July 2012)
  114. ↑ Klitschko calls for early presidential, parliamentary elections in Ukraine, Interfax-Ukraine (8 April 2013)
  115. ↑ Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko dies; father of Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko – ESPN. ESPN.go.com (14 July 2011). Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  116. ↑ У братьев Кличко умер отец. Komsomolskaya Pravda (in Russian) 13 July 2011
  117. ↑ 117.0 117.1 117.2 Police implicate, link Klitschko brothers, other opposition members to Chornovol beating suspects (UPDATE), Kyiv Post (27 December 2013)
  118. ↑ 118.0 118.1 Ukraine’s point of no return, openDemocracy.net (29 December 2013)
  119. ↑ 119.0 119.1 119.2 119.3 A Fight without Rules: Boxer Vitali Klitschko Enters Ukraine's Political Arena, Der Spiegel (29 June 2012)
  120. ↑ Кличко улетел от жены, как 14 лет назад. Segondnya (in Russian). 26 April 2010
  121. ↑ Виталий Кличко. men.org.ua
  122. ↑ CyberBoxingZone News, 29-02-2000 "Calling Dr. Klitschko". Retrieved 7 November 2008.
  123. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  124. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  125. ↑ Vitali Klitschko – Boxer. Boxrec.com. Retrieved 19 April 2011.

External links

Sporting positions
Preceded by WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion
2 May 1998 – 10 October 1998		 Succeeded by
Danny Williams
Preceded by EBU Heavyweight Champion
24 October 1998 – 26 June 1999		 Succeeded by
Wladimir Klitschko
Preceded by EBU Heavyweight Champion
25 November 2000 – 5 January 2002		 Succeeded by
Luan Krasniqi
Preceded by WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion
27 January 2001 – 21 June 2003		 Succeeded by
Wladimir Klitschko
Awards and achievements
Preceded by WBO Heavyweight Champion
26 June 1999 – 4 January 2000		 Succeeded by
Chris Byrd
Preceded by WBC Heavyweight Champion
24 April 2004 – 9 November 2005		 Succeeded by
Hasim Rahman
Promoted Interim Champion
The Ring Heavyweight Champion
24 April 2004 – 9 November 2005		 Succeeded by
Wladimir Klitschko
Preceded by WBC Heavyweight Champion
11 October 2008 – 15 December 2013		 Succeeded by
Bermane Stiverne
Records
Preceded by Tallest Heavyweight Champion
26 June 1999 – 17 December 2005		 Succeeded by
Nikolay Valuev
Preceded by Most Consecutive Knockouts from the Beginning of a Heavyweight Career
26 June 1999 – 27 April 2013		 Succeeded by
Deontay Wilder
Honorary titles
New title WBC Heavyweight Emeritus Champion
9 November 2005 – 11 October 2008		 Succeeded by
Regains title
Preceded by
Himself
 WBC Heavyweight Emeritus Champion
15 December 2013 – present		 Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by
Roman Romaniuk
 Leader of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform
2010–present		 Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by
Halyna Hereha
Acting
 Mayor of Kiev
2014–present		 Incumbent
Preceded by Head of the Kiev City State Administration
2014–present
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