Giuliani coaches Dr Iron Fist for run at mayor’s office
Published 14 May, 2008, 04:40
Former heavyweight boxing champion Vitaly “Doctor Iron Fist” Klitschko has ditched his punchbag for politics. Now he’s aiming to capture Ukraine's capital mayor’s office – with a little help from an American friend.
Flying his boxing colours, Klitschko’s political bloc has been on the campaign trail for weeks, rallying support from far and wide.
Klitschko may be good at throwing punches, but does he have the power to knock the incumbent Kiev mayor Leonid Chernovetsk off his perch? It’s possible, because Klitschko’s been flexing his muscle and drawing in political heavyweights from the U.S. to fight his corner.
Weighing in his support is former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He says Klitschko’s in good shape for electoral success.
“He’s already done enough to fulfil three different careers: athletic, academic and business,” said the American.
It’s not uncommon for a politician to come from a totally different field, Giuliani added, citing the example of California’s governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Arnold’s background was great success as a body builder, as an actor and a businessman.”
Giuliani served two terms as New York mayor, gaining international recognition after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
He ran for nomination in this year’s U.S. presidential election, but his candidacy collapsed. He admits he’s good at giving advice on how to govern but not an expert in getting elected.
So why has Klitschko hired him for election advice?
“Right now in Kiev we have the same main problem that New York had: total corruption. If we destroy the main problem we can make reforms and have a better life in Kiev. And to have an advisor like Mr Giuliani is a big advantage,” Kiltschko believes.
Neither side is keen to disclose their exact business deal, or how much Klitschko is paying for the privilege.
But the former boxer’s in it to win it. A popular politician in Kiev’s City Council, he’s been gaining in the polls.
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