Former world title challenger and promoter Dmitry Salita talks about the recent political unrest that is going on his native Ukraine.
1. What are your thoughts of Vitali Klitschko going into Politics
I think Vitali is a man of the people. You look at his career and see how he over came difficulties early on
to become one of the greatest heavyweights in history that says something about a man. His character and persistence can not be denied. In the ring through sports and definitely through boxing you can see what ingredients a man is made off. Over coming learning from your experiences and becoming better is the goal of all of us in life and Vitaly was able to do that. He also represented Ukraine on the world stage in a very honourable way for many years. He has the education of Europe as well as America as a politician being able to identify with different people from all over the world is essential. I believe that Vitaly has those ingredients from being
an elite boxer and a star around the world.
2. What are your thoughts of boxers going into politics in General.
I think it’s very good! Boxers are hard working people that come from humble and usually poor beginnings! Boxing is a poor mans sport, and to be a good politician you need to identify with the common man and with people that are struggling you need to have empathy for those people and experiences. Most boxers understand what those feelings are about. Manny Pacquiao and Vitaly Klitchko are great examples of boxers that remember about their roots and want to improve the life of their countryman.
3. You are from the Ukraine. What Problems does that country face
Well Ukraine become more westernized and Democratic certainly since I left Odessa, Ukraine in 1991. People want to voice their opinion and make their feelings known. Now I believe is a crucial stage in the direction that the country will go. Most important is for the common man and people to feel satisfied. It seems that the situation has stabilized some what and both sides are talking.
4. Do you think with Klitschko being a high profile man, he will help or hurt The Ukraine.
I think it will help, the fact that world news is focusing on what is happening in Ukraine is to a large extent because Klitschko is the Heavyweight champ of the world. One of the premier titles in the sports world. He has the experience of dealing with people from all over the world and the Klitschko brothers are their own promoters so they made some pivotal decisions in their career as fighters and business man. The Klitchko brothers have proudly and positively represented Ukraine on the world stage. I think that their understanding of world culture, media and politics will only benefit the people. Several years ago when Wladimir fought at MSG he has a press conference for the Russian community in Rasputin restaurant. Vitaly was starting his political career then, I told him that he will make Ukraine proud and I think he will be president of Ukraine one day. He smiled and I think that day will come one day.
5. He was just involved in a couple of incidents that were obviously politically motivated. What were your thoughts when you saw those videos?
He is out in the street protesting with his people on the front lines a peoples man. I saw that he held himself back after he got attacked that to me was very mature and a sign of a leader.
