Wladimir Klitschko was overjoyed to see fellow countryman Oleksandr Usyk take revenge again for the worst defeat of his career.
While seemingly at the height of his powers in 2015, Klitschko was dethroned in a monstrous upset as Tyson Fury overcame the odds to take home a decisive victory. The pair immediately agreed to a rematch, but the Brit was subsequently forced out of the sport for three years as he battled depression and health problems.
Ultimately, the legacy of their feud was that famous night in Dusseldorf. That is until Usyk managed to exact a measure of revenge and hand Fury back-to-back defeats for the world heavyweight title this year.
Wladimir Klitschko watched from ringside as Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury again
As has become tradition at world title fights in Saudi Arabia, a ringside row was filled with iconic former champions. Wladimir Klitschko sat next to Lennox Lewis to watch his compatriot make history with a huge win.
Oleksandr Usyk started slowly as usual, but never looked too far away from control, even when Tyson Fury seemed to lean on him with his 25kg heavier frame. The pair had both hit the hardest in their careers; the Brit a remarkable 281 pounds, and Usyk a svelte 236 pounds.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Neither man was able to score a knockdown, and in the end it was Usyk who seemed 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 win.
An AI judge was also introduced who scored the fight 118-112 in favor of the champion, who was unchallenged at cruiserweight before moving up. However, that scorecard was not official in any way and had no bearing on the actual result.
Wladimir Klitschko was delighted with Oleksandr Usyk's second win over Tyson Fury
After the fight, Klitschko gave his thoughts to Seconds Out about the fight. He noted how impressed he was with Usyk and labeled him a “legend” for what he has been able to do since making the transition to the pros.
“As I said before and mentioned in other interviews, there would be repetition,” he explained. “That's what I expected to happen.
“Replay of the first match is what I expected and it was exactly that; Oleksandr is a true legend and a champion. We are so happy to have him in Ukraine.”
Wladimir Klitschko not interested in Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2
Klitschko also advised against a rematch with Daniel Dubois, who stormed the ring immediately after the fight to call for a second fight. Their first fight was close, with the Briton famously landing a low blow around the beltline that floored the Ukrainian before he was later stopped.
He has since returned to form with impressive wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic before brutalizing Anthony Joshua in a stunning showdown at Wembley earlier this year. However, the former champion isn't too 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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