Ukraine's WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko announced Wednesday he would run for mayor of Kiev for a second time.
Out of the boxing ring, Klitschko is an active politician and heads the liberal Udar party in his homeland. The 40-year-old lost the 2006 vote to current mayor Leonid Chernovetskyi, campaigning on an anti-corruption platform.
The mayoral elections are set for summer or fall, the exact date awaits confirmation by the Ukrainian parliament.
"I will take part in the Kiev elections," an Udar statement quoted Klitschko as saying.
Klitschko is a strong critic of the way the country is run and says government and legal institutions are corrupt to the core. He advocates greater integration with Europe and military alliance NATO.
Klitschko, known as Dr. Ironfist, defended his WBC title from Dereck Chisora last week, dominating the British challenger through 12 rounds and winning on points.
It took his professional record to 44 wins with two defeats in 46 career fights.
