Donnie Palmer, the professional heavyweight boxer who survived a shooting last year, pulled papers today to run for Boston City Council in District 3. That seat is occupied by Frank Baker, who will seek re-election this year.

Palmer lives on Richfield Street in Dorchester's Ward 15 and works with special education students at the Lee School on Talbot Avenue. This would be his first attempt at elected office. Both men will have to collect 200 signatures by May 15 to make the November 3 ballot.

Palmer said he saw Baker this morning while picking up nomination papers at City Hall. When asked if he said anything to Baker, he said no.

"You don't talk to your opponent at the weigh-in," Palmer told the Reporter.

In addition to his work at the Lee School, Palmer continues to train for his next date in the ring: He will fight on May 15 at Club Royale in Boston.

Palmer — a 6'10" super-heavyweight— won a knock-out in his return to the ring last January against Houston Crayton, bringing his pro record to 5-0-1. He was sidelined last summer after he was shot and seriously wounded by an assailant on Park Street.

Palmer says he intends to make education and public safety key issues in his campaign.

"I'm going to beat Frank Baker by staying in my lane," Palmer said.