Wladimir Klitschko was overjoyed to see his countryman Oleksandr Usyk get revenge once again for his worst career defeat.
While seemingly at the peak of his powers in 2015, Klitschko was dethroned in a monstrous upset as Tyson Fury overcame the odds to take home a decision win. The pair immediately agreed to a rematch, but the Brit then was forced out of the sport for three years as he battled depression and health issues.
Ultimately, the legacy of their feud was that famous night in Dusseldorf. That’s until Usyk managed to gain some degree of vengeance and hand Fury back-to-back defeats for the world heavyweight title this year.
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Wladimir Klitschko watched from ringside as Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury again
As has become tradition for world title fights in Saudi Arabia, a row at ringside was filled with iconic former champions. Wladimir Klitschko was sat beside Lennox Lewis to watch his fellow Ukrainian make history with a huge victory.
Oleksandr Usyk started slowly as usual, but never looked to far away from being in control even as Tyson Fury looked to lean on him with his 55lb heavier frame. The pair had both weighed in at career heaviests; the Brit a remarkable 281lb, and Usyk a svelte 236lb.
Neither man was able to land a knockdown, and ultimately it was Usyk who looked to be the dominant man despite being so much smaller. All three judges scored it 116-112 in his favor, indicating an eight rounds to four victory.
There was also an AI judge introduced who scored the fight 118-112 in favor of the champion, who was undisputed at cruiserweight before moving up. However, that scorecard was not in any way official, and didn’t impact the actual result.
Wladimir Klitschko was delighted by Oleksandr Usyk’s second win over Tyson Fury
Following the fight, Klitschko gave his thoughts to Seconds Out regarding the fight. He noted how impressed he was with Usyk, branding him a “legend” for what he has been able to do since turning over to the pro ranks.
“As I previously said and mentioned in other interviews, there was going to be repetition,” he explained. “That’s what I expected to happen.
“Repetition of the first match is what I expected and it was exactly that; Oleksandr is a true legend and a champion. We are so lucky to have him in Ukraine.”
Wladimir Klitschko not interested in Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2
Klitschko also recommended against a rematch with Daniel Dubois, who stormed the ring immediately after the bout to call for a second fight. Their initial bout was close, with the Brit famously landing a low blow right around the belt line that floored the Ukrainian before being stopped later on.
He has since returned to form with impressive battling wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic before brutalising Anthony Joshua in a stunning showdown at Wembley earlier this year. However, the former champion isn’t so keen on seeing the fight again.
“I don’t think Oleksandr needs any repetition with Dubois,” he noted, before adding “That’s just my opinion.”
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