Mayor of Kiev, former WBC champion Vitali Klitschko, will be in London on Saturday night to personally support his brother Wladimir during the highly anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua.
The two heavyweight punchers will battle for the IBF, IBO and WBA world titles before a record crowd of 90,000 at Wembley Stadium. Vitali's participation in his brother's corner was confirmed by the press officer working for the mayor's office in Kiev.
"It's important when you are supported by someone. When I boxed, Wladimir was always was near the ring and supported me, and this time I will also be with my brother during his fight with Joshua in London. Of course, he has a wonderful team but nevertheless, the moral support for my brother is very important. I am confident that victory will be ours," Vitali Klitschko said.
Vitali stressed that the whole world's attention will be focused on this contest. Showtime and HBO will both be televising the fight in the United States, and Sky Sports Box Office has the rights in the UK.
Wladimir is the underdog for the first time in well over a decade. At 41 years old and coming off a twelve round decision loss to Tyson Fury from November 2015, the odds appear to be stacked against the former division ruler.
"These are two Olympic champions. Joshua has not lost a single bout yet, he even knocked out all his rivals, he is younger than Wladimir by 12 years, but I know that Wladimir will do everything in order to win this fight," Vitali said.
"I know my brother like nobody else, and I can say with confidence that such technique and experience as Wladimir possess, no other boxer has it, and besides that he knows how much is riding on this fight. He will do everything that is necessary to win," added Vitali.
