Vitali Klitschko pulls out of presidential race in Ukraine

Vitali Klitschko pulls out of presidential race in Ukraine

Saturday, former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko announced he was pulling out of the presidential race in the Ukraine and would back billionaire Petro Poroshenko.

Klitschko thrust himself 100% into politics, announcing his retirement late last year from the ring. Klitschko hadn’t fought since a September 2012 defense against lightly regarded Manuel Charr.

Klitschko’s move to back Poroshenko is perceived to be one that will keep former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko from winning office.

The WBC belt that Klitschko vacated will be contested on May 10 between Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola on ESPN at USC’s Galen Center. The bout is a rematch from last April that saw Stiverne win a decision.

-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega

-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com