KIEV, Nov. 9 ??“ Vitaliy Klichko, Ukraine??™s world heavyweight champion, announced Wednesday he will retire from boxing after a knee operation, with some speculating the popular athlete has been preparing to run for Kiev mayor.

???Recently I??™ve spent more time battling injuries than my opponents,??? the 34-year old Klichko said in a statement released on his website. ???It??™s a hard decision to take, but I??™d like to go out at the top.???