Boxing Champ Klitschko Launches New Political Party In Ukraine

Vitali Klitschko could be a political contender.

Former world boxing champion Vitali Klitschko has announced the launch of a new political party named OUDAR, an acronym that translates as "punch."

AFP reports:

"I am used to achieving my goals; I am convinced that this will be the case not only in the field of sports but also in politics," Klitschko said in a statement.

"With a strong and well-aimed 'punch,' I am ready to knock down the wall between society and the authorities which is blocking the development of Ukraine," he said.

AFP notes that although Klitschko, nicknamed Dr. Iron Fist, has never been knocked down in the boxing ring, his political career has been rockier: his two campaigns for mayor of Kyiv fell flat in 2006 and 2008. Full report here.