WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO has sent out a message of support for both Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
AJ rematches Usyk in Saudi Arabia tonight, following his loss last September, which Klitschko’s brother Vitali was ringside for.
The Ukrainian heavyweight great was involved in a modern classic with Joshua in 2017 but retired after the round 11 loss.
And the former sparring partner remain good friend to this day, with AJ often seeking Klitschko’s advice.
The former heavyweight ruler also goes way back with Usyk, 35, following training and sparring sessions of their own.
And with both so heavily affected by the war going on in their homeland, Klitschko has backed his countryman against AJ.
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Klitschko, 46, tweeted: “Heavyweight Boxing today with two men I respect and know in different ways.
“I wish you both success but know Ukraine is where I stand!!”
Joshua, 32, was urged by his gym-mate Frazer Clarke, 31, to replicate the tactics he used against Klitschko in his rematch with Usyk.
Clarke told Sky Sports: “He’s under no illusions. He’s going to have to be the best he’s ever been to beat Usyk.
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“I think he’s going to have to be better than he’s ever been. Better than the Wladimir Klitschko night.
“I feel like he has to be Klitschko-esque. That night there were ups and downs and he had to come back. He might just have to do that.
“He’s got every chance. From what I’ve seen him put in on a daily and a weekly basis, he’s given himself every chance and that’s all you can ask from a fighter in a camp.
“If you give everything you’ve got to give, with the experience and the skill he’s already got, he’s given himself every chance.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
