UKRAINE:IN THE rough-and-tumble world of Ukrainian politics, contenders don't come much tougher than Vitali Klitschko, the former world heavyweight boxing champion who hopes to become mayor of Kiev tomorrow.
Surveys suggest the 2m 4cm (6ft 7½in) son of a Soviet airforce colonel could win control of the city, having enlisted the help of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani after narrowly failing in a similar bid two years ago.
Dubbed Dr Iron Fist due to his doctorate in physical education, his knowledge of several languages and his fondness for chess, Mr Klitschko turned to politics after injuries forced him from the ring in 2005, having lost only two of his 37 fights.
He has pledged to combine careers if he wins tomorrow, however - making a boxing comeback while cleaning up Kiev. "We can't change the life in Kiev without breaking crime and corruption's rule," said Mr Klitschko (36).
When pro-Klitschko posters appeared around the city of 2.7 million people saying "Kiev needs a strong mayor", Oleksandr Turchynov, the candidate for prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko's party, responded with his own billboards, saying "Kiev needs a smart mayor".
Perhaps rattled by polls that put Mr Klitschko well ahead of Mr Turchynov and neck-and-neck with incumbent mayor Leonid Chernovetsky, Ms Tymoshenko's party has changed tack and is now promising the boxer a top job if he falls in behind their man.
Mr Klitschko burnished his crimefighting credentials by touring Kiev with Mr Giuliani, the man who gained credit for making New York a safer city when he was mayor.
Mr Klitschko says he has been training for two hours each morning during the campaign to prepare for a possible comeback fight this autumn with heavyweight champion Samuel Peter of Nigeria.
"Sometimes I wish I could meet people inside the ring, where there are clear rules," lamented Mr Klitschko. "But physical power decides nothing in politics."
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