Wladimir Klitschko has congratulated fellow Ukrainian Alexander Usyk on his successful heavyweight title defence.
Former world boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has congratulated his Ukrainian compatriot Alexander Usyk on his successful heavyweight title defence.
“What a great fight, I couldn’t be prouder of both fighters. Usyk showed resilience, heart and a tactical strategy of a true champion,” Klitschko – defeated by Joshua in his last fight in 2017 – wrote on Twitter. “Glory to Ukraine. “
Klitschko encouraged Usyk to make ring return
Usyk had beaten former champion Anthony Joshua (Great Britain) on points in their rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday night to successfully defend his title. The triumph – overshadowed by Joshua’s strange behaviour after the fight – has high symbolic value for his homeland.
The 35-year-old Usyk had himself served Ukraine in the meantime as a soldier in the Russian war of aggression against his country. Vladimir and brother Vitali – now mayor of the capital Kiev – were among those who encouraged Usyk to resume his boxing career and thus inspire Ukraine in a different way.
Usyk, once the undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world, remains unbeaten after his 20th professional fight. The 35-year-old thus retains his world championship belts according to the version of the WBA, WBO and IBF federations.