Former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko was cornering his brother Wladimir on the night and regrets some of the things he told him.
A couple of months on from the biggest fight of the year so far, one of the combatants’ corner men and brother has had time to reflect.
Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko have always been very close.
Often seen side by side in one another’s corners on fight nights. Careers that achieved as much as any in heavyweight boxing.
During their time in the heavyweight division they were able to hold all the recognized heavyweight titles at one point.
A feat never achieved before or since by brothers.
READ ALSO: Wladimir Klitschko reflects back on Joshua loss
Often times before Wladimir’s fights in particular, you can see Vitali going around to his opponent’s dressing room before the fight to supervise the wrapping of the hands.
An intimidating figure who his brother admits is the tougher of the two.
As regards the better boxer, both brothers decided never to find out that answer due to not wanting to understandably upset their mother.
In Wladimir’s fight with Anthony Joshua back in April Vitali was in his brother’s corner once again.
However speaking to Boxing Scene, Vitali Klitschko said he regrets some advice he game him on the night:
“When Wladimir almost knocked Joshua out, I gave him the wrong advice. I was positive that Joshua, with his huge muscle mass, would not be able to last the distance. I advised Wladimir not to rush anything.”
Joshua did show an incredible amount of stamina and heart to keep going like he did. A question mark before the fight that was answered in some style it must be said.
Despite his monstrous bodybuilder-like frame, he’s now shown that he has plenty of stamina when pushed to the limit.
A rematch clause exists and so far talks suggest the fight looks like it will happen again in 2017.
Here’s a look back at the knockdowns in the first fight, as well as the key highlights in an epic night for boxing (hat tip HBO Boxing YouTube):
