Why Vitali Klitschko tried to fight Anthony Joshua just moments after ‘AJ’ beat brother Wladimir in 2017
Every British boxing fan will remember where they were when Anthony Joshua stopped Wladimir Klitschko in 2017.
The famous night at Wembley stadium in front of 90,000 people will live long in the memory for the drama and excitement.
For those with an even sharper memory, it may even be easy to remember how they felt when Joshua rocked the giant Ukrainian with a huge uppercut to change the course of the fight in round 11.
Both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko tried to have a piece of Anthony Joshua in 2017
Whether it was Joshua having to climb off the canvas or former champion Klitschko showing tremendous heart in the face of adversity, it certainly was an emotional night in north London.
But what you may not know is that Joshua nearly had a fight with a second Klitschko that very same night.
The newly crowned unified world champion had to be separated from Wladimir’s big brother Vitali on the ring apron in the aftermath of the fight being called off.
Wladimir’s cutman Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran revealed how a compliment from Joshua was simply lost in translation, but led to the former WBC heavyweight champion trying to get his hands on the 2012 Olympian.
Joshua and Vitali almost came to blows on the Wembley canvas
“Johnathon [Banks, Wladimir’s trainer] was telling me something had happened. Johnathon’s response was when someone speaks real fast to him [Vitali], and maybe with a British accent, he responds according to what he hears,” ‘Stitch’ told BoxingNewsOnline.net.
“So I think Anthony Joshua, went over to congratulate Wladimir and said ‘effing good fight’ and Vitali picked up on just ‘effing,’ that’s what JB was telling me.
“He said he had to come in between them, he and Joshua have a good relationship and [Banks] stepped in…”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn took to Instagram on the three-year anniversary of the fight to recall the moment.
Watch highlights of Anthony Joshua’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko on this day in 2017
He wrote: “Before the first bell AJ switched his glare from Wlad to Vitali and they wouldn’t take their eyes off each other throughout the national anthems, it was unbelievable to watch.
“After the fight they confronted each other before shaking hands and offering their respect.
“Was just part of the drama of an incredible night!”
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