VITALI KLITSCHKO is no longer a boxer, but he plays an important role as the mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital.
Klitschko's brother Wladimir and Klitschko ruled the heavyweight division in their heyday.
Vitali Klitschko will fight against Russia's invasion of Ukraine Get a PS10 Bonus with 100 Games to Play and No Deposit Required
Vitali now plans to fight a different battle. He confirmed earlier this week that he is ready to fight for Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
"I have no other choice. I must do this. I'll be fighting," she said to ITV's Good Morning Britain at 50.
"I believe in Ukraine. I believe also in my country. I believe in my people."
"The Ukrainian people are strong. It will be true to itself through this horrible ordeal. People who long for peace and sovereignty. People who consider the Russian people to be their brothers.
"It is aware that they do not want to go to war. The Ukrainian people chose democracy.
"But democracy can be fragile. Democracies cannot defend themselves; they need the will of citizens and the commitment of all. Democrats are the heart and soul of democracy.
What was Vitali Klitschko’s record as a fighter?
Vitali was a legend in boxing and one of the most formidable heavyweights of his time.
Klitschko fought huge heavyweight titles with Lennox Lewis and Derek Chisora, Shannon Briggs and Chris Byrd.
The 50-year old made his debut in 1996 against Tony Bradham in Germany. He then won in two rounds against Manuel Charr in 2012.
Klitschko was victorious against Herbie Hide in London in 1999 and took the WBO strap.
Klitschko fought for the WBC title throughout his career. He won it from Sanders in 2004, and then defended it 11 times.
However, he lost his greatest fight to Brit legend Lewis in 2003. He was stopped in the sixth round.
Klitschko's boxing career ended with a remarkable record of 45-2 with 41 knockouts.
Who is his brother Wladimir
Wladimir Klitschko also was a boxer and was more successful than his elder brother.
Wlad won OIympoic Gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, before becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion.
He also had big fights against Brit stars Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and lost both to the end of his career.
Klitschko joined the Ukrainian army this week, and he has pledged to resist the Russian invasion.
