WBC heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko officially announced his intention to run for president of the Ukraine in the country's 2015 election.
The Associated Press reports via ABC News that Klitschko, who leads the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform party, made the declaration amid pressure from the opposition, which is trying to prevent him from being allowed on the presidential ticket.
Klitschko announced his widely expected presidential bid Thursday in response to efforts by pro-government forces to pass a bill that could prevent him from running because he has permanent residency status in Germany.
Klitschko vowed that he "will not be frightened or stopped by this."
The longtime boxer, who hasn't stepped in the ring since last September due to his rise in politics, is currently serving in the Ukrainian parliament but has set his sights on a higher office after disagreements with the current leader, President Viktor Yanukovych.
Klitschko has spoken out against what he believes are authoritarian tactics by the current administration, and will now attempt to take his case to the people, according to the report.
The 42-year-old was elected to parliament last fall as the head of his pro-Western party Udar ("Punch" in English). Since then, Klitschko, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, has campaigned against what he calls authoritarian moves by President Viktor Yanukovych.
He particularly criticized the jailing of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, which was seen as politically motivated by the West.
Reuters reports via The Star that Klitschko made the declaration about running for president during a fiery speech before parliament after those in power passed legislation seen as a step toward making sure he won't be able to take part in the race.
Striking the rostrum with his hand, the two-metre (6ft 7in) tall Klitschko said: "Everything that has taken place in parliament today with texts of laws, directly backed by ruling party deputies, does not intimidate me and will not stop me.
"To head off these various schemes and attempts at getting even with me as a possible candidate, I want to declare this: I will run for President."
The Klitschko-led party is seen as a rising force in Ukrainian politics after winning 40 seats during last year's parliamentary elections. He is clearly trying to capitalize on that success by launching a bid to become the head of state.
But the AP report states the current ruling party and its allies are trying to eliminate him from contention because he has permanent residency status in Germany. Klitschko's comments make it clear he's not going to let those attempts stop him from running.
Klitschko holds a 45-2 career boxing record with an astounding 41 KOs. He defeated Manuel Charr in his most recent bout, but has clearly turned his attention to other issues.
The Klitschko-led part is seen as a rising force in Ukrainian politics after winning 40 seats during last year's parliamentary elections. He is clearly trying to capitalize on that success by launching a bid to become the head of state.
But the AP report states the current ruling party and its allies are trying to eliminate him from contention because he has permanent residency status in Germany. Klitschko's comments make it clear he's not going to let those attempts stop him from running.
Klitschko holds a 45-2 career boxing record. He defeated Manuel Charr in his most recent bout, but has clearly turned his attention to other issues.
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