Kiev/Moscow - Former heavyweight boxing world champion Vitali Klitschko, 36, appeared headed for defeat late Sunday in his attempt to be elected mayor of Kiev, Ukraine's capital.

Exit polls had incumbent Leonid Chernovetsky winning more than 30 per cent of the vote, Ukrainian media reported after voting ended.

Klitschko was in third place with about 19 per cent.

Official results were not expected before Monday. (dpa)