Klitschko Brothers Support Oleksandr Usyk Decision To Fight Anthony Joshua Amid Ukraine War

The Klitschko brothers support Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to take Anthony Joshua amid the Ukraine war.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, several athletes like the Klitschko brothers, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Usyk joined the Ukraine military to help defend their country. Lomachenko turned down a title fight against George Kambosos Jr. as he wanted to help his country. However, Usyk will still rematch Joshua this summer and the Klitschko brothers say they support his decision.

“A very important message could be carried through an event like this. We do not know if in three months we will exist,” Vitali Klitschko said (via boxingscene). “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 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. We need support. Since the beginning of the war, the economy is down to nothing, but please don’t forget we are defending democratic principles of freedom and free choice.”

Oleksandr Usyk is 19-0 as a pro and is coming off the decision win over Joshua to become the heavyweight champion. Prior to that, he beat Derek Chisora and Tony Bellew among others while he is also the former cruiserweight champion. There is no question the rematch against Joshua will be a massive fight and the decision for Usyk likely was a hard one for him to make.

What do you make of Oleksandr Usyk deciding to take the Anthony Joshua fight?