Former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko is likely heading to defeat in a second bid for the mayor's job in Kiev, Ukraine, based on early electoral results.

With results counted from about 15 per cent of the precincts, incumbent Leonid Chernovetsky had 33 per cent of the vote, followed by Oleksandr Turchynov and Klitschko, each with about 20 per cent. Klitschko finished second in a 2006 mayoral run.

Klitschko, who turns 37 in July, had hired Giuliani Partners, the consultancy firm of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, to advise his current campaign.

The outcome will likely pave the way for Klitschko to return to the ring after nearly four years away.

The six-foot-seven boxer fought Lennox Lewis in June 2003, a memorable brawl that was the Canadian's last bout before retirement. Klitschko lost with a sixth-round stoppage.

Klitschko gained recognition as the best fighter in the division after Lewis's departure, with three knockout wins, including over North Preston, N.S., native Kirk Johnson. He last fought in a victory against Brit Danny Williams in December 2004, then retired due to knee and back injuries.

Klitschko has deemed himself healthy enough to return to the ring and is targeting World Boxing Council champion Samuel Peter.

With files from the Associated Press