V. Klitschko Admits To Being at Odds With Wladimir in 2004

By Ruslan Chikov

Older brother Vitali Klitschko admits that in 2004 his relationship with Wladimir became strained and the two brothers were at odds with each other. During that time period, Wladimir was shockingly stopped in five rounds by Lamon Brewster, who at the time was a massive underdog. Eleven months prior to Brewster defeat, Wladimir was knocked out in two rounds by another underdog, Corrie Sanders.

After suffering his second knockout in four fights, Vitali had seen enough and urged his younger brother to retire from boxing. Wladimir was angry with his brother for suggesting retirement.

"After the Wladimir's defeat in the fight with Lamon Brewster, I wanted my brother to end his career. The risk was too great. Taking your own brother to the hospital - it's not a joke. We had a real conflict, but Wladimir insisted that he defeated himself [in the loss to Brewster]. The strained relations between us have long subsided," Vitali said.

Over the years, Vitali has learned to hold his tongue when necessary.

"I've learned to hold back. Now, I express my opinion after [watching Wladimir in] sparring, and [present my thoughts to] his trainer Emanuel Steward. The orchestra can only sustain one conductor," Vitali said.

Currently the Klitschko brothers have come together for a joint training camp in Austria.

WBO/IBO/WBA/IBF champion Wladimir defends his titles on March 3rd against Jean Marc Mormeck (36-4, 22KOs) at ESPIRIT Arena in Dusseldorf. Two weeks earlier, on February 18th, Vitali (43-2, 40KOs) defends the WBC title against Dereck Chisora (15-2, 9KOs) at Olympiahalle in Munich.