WBC Heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko was involved in a fight outside of the ring when he and his fellow political party members were involved in a fist-fight, according to French news outlet Agence France-Presse.
Now THIS is a political scuffle.
Klitschko, an active member of Ukrainian politics, picketed the Kiev city council with members of his “Block Klitschko” party. Their cause: to object to new anti-corruption laws to be effective October 15th across the country. These new laws would regulate the sale of state property.
Vitali spoke to the German newspaper Bild about the problems inherent in this “anti-corruption” law, saying “Our political opponents have sought to sell expensive real estate far below market value to their acquaintances and company friends. That is illegal.”
His opponents also took issue with his protest, leading to the tussle between parties which was reported to have aired live on Ukrainian TV.
Here’s video of the scuffle:
Klitschko brushed off any threat or hyperbole surrounding the fracas. “It wasn’t that bad. I didn’t use my fists, but our opponents resorted to aggression,” he said to television station 1+1. “I didn’t hit anyone, I just tried to push a few people away.”
While Klitschko didn’t knock anyone down for the ten count, he certainly did not back off of his claims of overhauling the Ukrainian systems in place. “Demonstrations and petition actions have not helped. We must protect our country now. The country has huge debts. Therefore land must be sold at auction to the highest bidder. Unless this obstacle is removed, Ukraine has only one future: corruption.”
To finish with a completely legitimate threat, Klitschko added: “If anyone resorts to force, then I’ll resort to force too.” Bild has reported that Klitschko plans to protest the council floor again.
Vitali Klitschko has lost twice in Kiev mayoral races, but remains active in politics along with his brother Wladimir. Brothers Vitali and Wladimir both currently hold heavyweight belts in the sport of boxing.
As an avid boxing fan for over a decade, I can only ask the Ukrainian council member who would throw a punch at Vitali Klitschko one question.
Are you insane? Even if you wholeheartedly disagree with his politics, you DO NOT, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES start a fight-fight with Vitali Klitschko or his political party. I’ve heard of idiotic politicians, but this one takes the cake.
Seriously, the man is 6’7”, 250 lbs, has muscles on body parts you haven’t even discovered and has dropped a plethora of heavyweights in his day. To paraphrase Harvey Keitel from Reservoir Dogs, if you insult Vitali Klitschko in a dream you’d better wake up and accept a right hook to the face.
And that was the week in overseas political civility.
