FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE KLITSCHKO HAS MORE THAN TITLE DEFENSE ON HIS MIND.

Byline: Robert Morales Staff Writer

Vitali Klitschko has lived in Beverly Hills for several years. But his heart is in his native Kiev, Ukraine, where friends and family are in the middle of a peaceful civil unrest resulting from the country's presidential election late last month.

Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko, a liberal, charged that the Nov. 21 election was tainted by fraudulent voting. Ukraine Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, backed by Russia, won the vote. But the Ukraine Supreme Court recently ordered another election be held Dec. 26.

Klitschko (34-2, 33 KOs) has also been trying to prepare for the first defense of his WBC heavyweight championship. He will square off with Danny Williams (32-3, 27 KOs) of Brixton in South London, on Saturday at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The card will be televised by HBO pay-per-view.

At one point, Klitschko considered postponing the fight and flying to Kiev to support Yushchenko. Klitschko's manager, Bernd Boente, and Vitali's younger brother, Wladimir, talked him out of it.

But his heart remains heavy as he tries to get in the frame of mind to face the heavy-hitting Williams, who on July 30 knocked out Mike Tyson in the fourth round.

``What happens in Ukraine is very close to us because our family and our friends all live in Ukraine,'' Klitschko said. ``We are involved in Ukraine politics, and it touches everyone. It is very painful to read some news and the way they speak about Ukraine like it is a poor country, like a Banana Republic.

``I wish for my country, for my people, for my children and the next generation a great future and I support the democratic way. I support consolidation of Ukraine into European Union. That is why I support Viktor Yushchenko in this presidential election.''

Wladimir Klitschko soothed his brother's concerns when he returned after spending four days in Kiev in late November.

``There is no violence, no bloodshed,'' said Wladimir, a former heavyweight champion whose career has fallen on hard times. ``It is just in good will, people trying to get democracy in their country.''

Vitali said: ``Wladimir came back to Los Angeles and explained the whole situation. As you know, it has been very peaceful there. Everybody hopes we move to a democratic way.

``If people who were communist before and suddenly change their colors and say that Ukraine is democratic, but the rules of government do not change, people will not be happy. That is why there are millions of people coming outside in the street to demonstrate peacefully. Nobody drinks alcohol. It has been very peaceful.''

The situation in the Ukraine has taken away some of the focus Klitschko should have on Williams, who will not be defeated easily.

``It is 10 hours difference between Ukraine and Los Angeles,'' Klitschko said. ``When I wake up at 6 in the morning, I have one hour before I start the training to check the news, make calls to my friends and get information.

``I know that my fight is very important for Ukraine and it is my resolve to be ready for this fight. I have kept focused for training and for the fight. But I do get the information on what is happening in Ukraine every day. It is difficult, but in life nothing is easy.''

The job of keeping Klitschko focused falls on trainer Fritz Sdunek.

``We have had a very good and successful preparation so far,'' Sdunek said. ``We are prepared for 12 rounds. We expect to leave the ring as the winner.''

Wladimir Klitschko said he doesn't just expect his brother to leave the ring the winner. He predicts it.

``Vitali is in great shape and he is focused,'' Wladimir said. ``We are working as a team and everything is fine. I am as excited as everyone to see how Vitali fights. He will exit the ring the winner.''

Besides, Klitschko has a particular motivation for Williams. By knocking out Tyson, Williams took away Klitschko's vision of himself squaring off with Iron Mike.

``Danny Williams surprised me with his boxing skills, his big heart and his iron chin,'' Klitschko said. ``He destroyed my dream. Now I want to destroy the dream of Danny Williams to be world champion.''

Robert Morales, [phone], Ext. 2213

robert.morales(at)sgvn.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) Civil unrest in Ukraine has distracted WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko as he prepares to defend his title Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Isaac Brekken/Associated Press

(2) Supporters of opposition presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko have WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko in their corner.

Alexander Zemlianichenko/Associated Press