Wladimir Klitschko © Time Out
Time Out Kiev heroes
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By Time Out Kiev editors
Posted: Mon Sep 15 2008 -
Time Out Kiev heroes - artist Ivan Marchuk, boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko
Wladimir Klitschko | Ivan MarchukWladimir Klitschko
The undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Wladimir Klitschko dominates the sport and currently holds the IBF, WBO, and IBO world heavyweight titles. Revered in his adopted home of Kiev, he has also branched out into films (appearing in ‘Ocean’s 11’ trading blows with Lennox Lewis), fashion (creating a clothing line for Hugo Boss) and charity (he is a UNESCO ambassador). He’s also a keen chess player and competes in the growing sport of chess boxing where competitors alternate between a round of chess and a round in the ring.
How long have you lived in Kiev?
I moved to Kiev in 1985, when I was nine years old. My father was an army officer and we moved a lot from place to place. I was born in Kazakhstan, from there we moved to the former Czechoslovakia and then to Kiev. Feature continuesAdvertisementDid you immediately realize that Kiev was your kind of the city and you would stay there?
What is your favourite place in Kiev?
I think I realized it later, when I met my schoolmates; together we started to explore the city. It was a very interesting process, especially since my brother [fellow boxer Vitali] was a tour guide at the time. Then Kiev became my home; the city still gives me a warm feeling. I feel at home even in New York, but my heart I always stay Ukrainian.
Podil (Downtown) is my favourite place. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful areas; it has a great energy, a great spirit.
So, we are likely to see you walking down Podil?
Yes. If you would like to take a walk I can recommend you to go to Pechersk or the Park of Fame, from there you have a beautiful view of the Dnieper river and its left bank. You can also take a little boat and combine dinner and a voyage. I like to look at Kiev from the Dnieper.
Did you ever fight outside of the boxing ring?
Outside of the ring? Believe me, never. Except on one occasion, if you can call it boxing. It happened when I was in school. One guy from the other grade and I were in love with the same girl, and we decided to sort it through a fight. At the end of the day she chose neither of us. When I came home with bruises, my father told me that words can hurt more then punches. Now I know he is right. Since then I never fight outside of the boxing ring.
By the way, about words, do fighters allow themselves to verbally insult their rivals?
Yes, it’s a cheap way of trying to scare your rival. My brother and I already grew out of it. The most important thing for me is to get satisfaction. When I enter the boxing ring I know what I want to get.- Add your comment to this feature
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1 comment
Ivan marchuk... I need the address for the Ivan marchuk Museum. I am visiting Ukraine and would like to visit it.