Former WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko is urging Anthony Joshua to stay on course for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Klitschko was ringside last September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, to watch his Ukrainian countryman Usyk outbox Joshua over twelve rounds to capture the IBF, WBA, WBO, IBO world titles.

Joshua would then exercise an immediate rematch clause.


On the other hand, there has been a lot of discussion regarding Joshua potentially accepting a step-aside deal, to allow a full division unification between Usyk and WBC champion Tyson Fury.

"It is his decision," Klitschko told Sky News.

"But my personal opinion? If Joshua sidesteps in this moment, when the boxing audience expects a rematch and wants to see Joshua vs Usyk, it would show weakness. Joshua, don't do that please. As fighters, we fight not just for ourselves but for the audience. The audience decides. If the audience wants the fight, it must happen. If Joshua sidesteps, I am not sure that the interest in Joshua would be so big in the future."

There was a moment in time when Vitali and his younger brother, Wladimir Klitschko, dominated the heavyweight division.

Their days are long gone, but Usyk has now brought back the unified crown to Ukraine.
Klitschko looks forward to Uysk's second encounter with Joshua.

"Everyone expects the rematch between Usyk and Joshua. Usyk is so strong or did Joshua make mistakes? Who is stronger? That question interests every boxing fan. Let's receive an answer. That's why this fight must happen. Huge fight. Right now, everybody doubts if Joshua is strong enough to fight Fury. He can give the answer in the Usyk fight," Klitschko said.

"If Joshua beats Usyk there will be huge interest [in Joshua vs Fury]. It will be the main fight of the past 10 years. Joshua is a classic boxer, Fury is unorthodox. Both are punchers, both can decide the fight at any moment. Both are world-class fighters and can knock each other out at any second."

https://www.boxingscene.com/vitali-klitschko-if-joshua-side-stepped-usyk-rematch-it-show-weakness--163734

I would have put my money on Joshua to to win his rematch but after seeing him prostrate for the calamity Buhari, I don't think He stands a chance.

they say he who fites n run away will surely fight another day" sometimes its better to run away so you'll be prepared to fight dt anoda day..
this usyk will beat AJ again, fury own na murder case..
currently AJ is d last of d chain of fury, usyk, wilder n den AJ
so he needs to work harder..

AJ shouldn't step side for any unification match because it will ruin his legacy.

AJ should pick the money and step aside. He's among the greatest boxers the world has ever produced. An Olympic medalist and two time world Champion of the biggest weight category.
Critic can say whatever they like, he should sign to meet the winner of the two, so he could fight for the unified title. HE will also pick like $20million dollar without throwing a punch.
that's the smarter thing to do.

Lifestone:
AJ should pick the money and step aside. He's among the greatest boxers the world has ever produced. An Olympic medalist and two time world Champion of the biggest weight category.
Critic can say whatever they like, he should sign to meet the winner of the two, so he could fight for the unified title. HE will also pick like $20million dollar without throwing a punch.
that's the smarter thing to do.

its not easy as u think, him.taking d moni n stepping aside isnt a big deal bt fighting against d winner of both is just too crazy bcoz anybody dt wins will still take him to d cleaners n dt defeat would be more embarrassing than him facing usyk now

I think he should take the money

paulolee:

its not easy as u think, him.taking d moni n stepping aside isnt a big deal bt fighting against d winner of both is just too crazy bcoz anybody dt wins will still take him to d cleaners n dt defeat would be more embarrassing than him facing usyk now

He should retire then.!