Via Danny Parys: At first glance boxing and politics don’t seem to have much in common. Debate policy and jumping rope do not seem to go hand in hand. However, it could be argued that most boxers are more equipped to enter politics than you might think.
Boxers need to know how to manage the press if they want to hype a fight and they need to research their opponents and understand their weaknesses. In this day and age, boxers even need to know how to navigate a variety of different political organizations.
Negotiating for rights with Bob Arum or Eddie Hearn may make Senate Reform look like child’s play.
It is perhaps not surprising that so many boxers have entered politics. So here is a list of 10 boxers who, for better or worse, have made their way into politics.
Vitali Klitschko
Most boxing fans know Vitali Klitschko from his fights with Lennox Lewis, Shannon Briggs and as the only heavyweight champion to reign for three different decades. More recently, however, Klitschko has been in the news as a member of the Kyiv city council since 2010 and as Mayor of Ukraine’s capital since 2014.
He is also the first professional boxing world champion to hold a Ph. degree (the second is his brother, Wladimir)
Alexis Arguello
The three-weight world champion was one of the greats of his time and dominated the ’70s and ’80s. Never lost any world titles in the ring, only when he switched When it comes to weight classes, it’s no wonder The Ring magazine ranks Arguello at number 20 on their list of the greatest boxers of all time.
Arguello is also viewed as a hero in his native Nicaragua and was elected mayor of the capital city of Managua in 2008 at the age of 57. Sadly, just months after his election, Arguello took his own life. .
Tommy Douglas
Tommy Douglas is certainly beloved in his native Canada. The former prime minister (equivalent of Governor of Canada) of Saskatchewan was voted the greatest Canadian and is fondly remembered for bringing universal health care to the country.
However, Canadians may be surprised to learn that Douglas held the amateur lightweight championship in 1922 and successfully defended his title in 1923.
Dan Vandal
The current Cabinet Minister of the Government of Canada, Dan Vandal has enjoyed a very successful political career. Moved from Winnipeg Hometown Councilor to Minister of Northern Affairs for Canada
The saboteur also did not fall into the ring. He left with a record of 18-6, a knock-out rate of 50%. He even fought unsuccessfully for the Canadian middleweight championship.
Idi Amin
The Ugandan military dictator was always a fighter and to this day is considered one of the most brutal leaders in history. During his rule as President of the Uganda human rights group, an estimated 100,000 to 500,000 citizens were killed because of his policies.
Before coming to power, he held the Ugandan lightweight belt for nine consecutive years. Maybe he should stick to boxing.
Nikolai Valuev
Valuev put his name on the ring because of his size. Standing 7ft tall and weighing in at 300lbs, Nikolai Valuev is remembered more for being the tallest and heaviest heavyweight champion in the world than for his boxing prowess. Despite his skill set, Valuev won the WBA World Heavyweight Championship not once but twice.
However, Valuev quickly elevated his reputation in his native Russia to a political position. Just two years after retiring, Valuev began serving in the Russian State Duma in 2011 and has defended his position in elections far more successfully than his heavyweight titles.
Erik Morales
The Mexican arena of fame has held titles in four different weight classes and featured epic contests with Pacquiao and Barrera. Beloved in his native Tijuana, he was elected to the Mexican Congress in 2018, just 6 years after retiring and currently serves on the Commission on Sports.
Ruslan Provodnikov
Known as Siberian Rocky and remembered for his early battle with Tim Bradley, Provodnikov took down all of his opponents. Ruslan isn’t known for his bumps, but for his chin, tenacity, and will to win.
Given his fan-favorite fighting style, it’s no wonder he’s become popular in his native Siberia. Just a few years after his retirement, Provodnikov jumped into politics and currently holds the post of deputy minister in the State Duma of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region in his native Russia.
John McCain
Former Arizona senator and Republican presidential candidate is a household name in the United States. Known as a war hero and his nonpartisan appeal.
However, before jumping into politics, he was a light boxer in the Navy. According to his teammates, “He’s not the best, but he’s the scariest… He never gives up.” McCain later noted that the toughness he developed from the sport helped him withstood torture as a prisoner of war.
Manny Pacquiao
The recently retired 8th-ranked world champion is perhaps not only the most famous boxer on this list, but also potentially the most successful politician.
Pacquiao has been involved in politics since 2010 and served in the Philippine Senate since 2016. Balance training for world title fights and his political duties doesn’t seem to be an issue for him. Pac-Man because he had 15 world title fights during that time.
However, Pacquiao’s political ambitions may have ultimately overshadowed his desire to continue boxing as Pacquaio announced his candidacy for President of the Philippines just 10 years before announcing his retirement.
