By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Here we go again, a boxer trying to turn politician. Go figure, that the participants of one of the most dangerous and aggressive sports, would even think about getting involved in politics. Just imagine the two words side by side, boxer and politician; its mind boggling and confusing at the same time.
According to a reputable Russian news website newrsru.com (http://newsru.com/arch/sport/22aug2011/valuev.html), Nikoli ‘The Russian Giant’ Valuev (50-2-0) has been asked by the governor of Kemerovo Oblast (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kemerovo_Oblast) to run as a delegate.
In response to this invitation, Valuev stated: “If I become a deputy, I will not come back to boxing.” Apparently Valuev has had politics on his mind for some time now, and participates in various local political activities. Valued also touched on his views on sports in Russia: “the overall plans of developing sports in Russia, coincide with the plans of this political party.”
After losing by a majority decision to David Haye (25-2-0) in December of 2009, Valuev has been away from boxing and the press. He first complained of a knee problem, stating that it was bothering him before and after the fight, indicating that a surgery was necessary to fix the issue. After dealing with that, he was nowhere to be found. No fights were scheduled or even discussed, making me assume that his flame in politics had already been ignited.
I wish Nikolai luck in his possible future political career. The difference is that they a While he was a successful boxer when looking at his record, he simply could not create a big enough interest in his fights. Maybe he will be a much better politician than he was able to be as an entertainer.
Not everyone can take on two colossal roles and prove to be successful in both. In boxing terms, not everyone can be a Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2) or Vitali Klitschko (42-2-0).