Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko have publicly supported Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to leave Ukraine and return to boxing.
A few days ago, Usyk announced he would begin preparations for the first defence of his world heavyweight titles in a rematch against Anthony Joshua.
It was reported yesterday that the highly anticipated fight will go ahead in Saudi Arabia on June 25.
Usyk, just like his friend Vasiliy Lomachenko, chose to go back home to fight for their country against Russia’s invasion. After four weeks the former undisputed cruiserweight champion will now continue his boxing career.
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph from Ukraine the Klitschko brothers believe there are positives to take from Usyk defending his world titles against Joshua.
“A very important message could be carried through an event like this,” said Vitali.
“We do not know if in three months we will exist. I actually have plans to speak to Oleksandr Usyk to give him advice if he decides to make the fight, to have some special messages that he can put out there.”
Wladimir, who like his brother, was also world heavyweight champion, added: “There are pros and cons and it’s a hard decision to make for Oleksandr Usyk but to have the Ukrainian flag raised and our anthem played and one of our ambassadors of our country out there in the world with the right mindset could be more positive than negative.”