<mediadc-video-embed data-state="{"cms.site.owner":{"_ref":"00000161-3486-d333-a9e9-76c6fbf30000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b93390000"},"cms.content.publishDate":1655307520498,"cms.content.publishUser":{"_ref":"0000017b-3108-d928-a77f-73ccd2e60000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"cms.content.updateDate":1655307520498,"cms.content.updateUser":{"_ref":"0000017b-3108-d928-a77f-73ccd2e60000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"rawHtml":"
var _bp = _bp||[]; _bp.push({ "div": "Brid_55307510", "obj": {"id":"27789","width":"16","height":"9","video":"1030126"} }); ","_id":"00000181-67d2-ddb6-a5eb-6ff323cc0000","_type":"2f5a8339-a89a-3738-9cd2-3ddf0c8da574"}”>Video EmbedKyiv Mayor and former world heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko is set to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2022 ESPYs, according to a Tuesday ESPN announcement.
The 50-year-old mayor of Ukraine’s capital city and Hall-of-Fame boxer has been adamant in his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin for years, and he has been a primary face of Ukrainian resistance to Russia’s invasion.
Klitschko, along with his brother and fellow former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, swore to defend their land and took up arms in a territorial defense battalion in Kyiv.
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“It is a great honor for me to receive this award,” Klitschko said.
“I am convinced that this is a recognition of the courage and inviolability of the Ukrainian people, who have been bravely resisting the Russian aggressor for more than [three] months. This is an award for everyone who defends the independence and freedom of Ukraine.”
Klitschko is the longest-serving mayor in the history of Kyiv and is committed to his city.
At the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, the former champion told listeners that the war in his nation will have far-reaching effects.
“Vitali’s poise and strength as his city and country faces unfathomable tests have far surpassed the incredible resolve he demonstrated as one of boxing’s top heavyweight champions,” said Rob King, senior vice president and executive editor-at-large, ESPN Content.
“His commitment to the people of Ukraine has been a global inspiration, and his bravery is a prime example of the resilience of the human spirit. It is our privilege to bestow him with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.”
Muhammad Ali and famed broadcaster Howard Cosell are former Ashe Award honorees, according to the report.
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The 2022 ESPYs will take place on July 20 in Los Angeles.
