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Updated Dec 16, 2013 5:11 PM ET
 

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)

Vitali Klitschko is leaving boxing to concentrate on Ukrainian politics and his role as an opposition leader.




 

Klitschko vacated his WBC world heavyweight title on Monday and said he doesn't expect to fight again as he pursues a presidential bid in his home country, where citizens have been protesting for weeks in Kiev over President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to shun closer ties with the European Union and push his country toward Russia.

The World Boxing Council proclaimed Klitschko a ''Champion Emeritus,'' a move that would allow him to challenge the new champion directly should he wish to resume his career.

''This offer makes it theoretically possible to return to the ring, which I cannot imagine at all happening as things stand now,'' Klitschko said in a statement. ''I am now concentrating on the politics in Ukraine, I feel people need me there.''




Klitschko is a lawmaker and chairman of the opposition party Udar (Punch) and intends to run for president in 2015.