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Klitschko, centre, talks to riot police at the opposition protest rally. Efrem Lukatsky/AP/Press Association Images

Vitali Klitschko sprayed with tear gas, injures hand

The WBC heavyweight champion found himself in the middle of a violent exchange between riot police and protestors in Kiev.

WBC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION Vitali Klitschko was caught up in a violent protest in Kiev on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old Ukrainian fighter, who is due to defend his title on September 8 against Manuel Charr, is running for mayor of his hometown and found himself in the middle of an exchange between police and a group protesting about a bill, which will make Russian the official language in courts, education and some government institutions in some regions of the country.

Tear gas was dispensed, with Klitschko on the receiving end. He also needed medical attention after suffering a gash on his right hand but was otherwise unharmed.

Vitali’s brother Wladimir takes on challenger Tony Thompson in Berne, Switzerland, this Saturday night.

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