Former heavyweight world champion and Mayor of war-torn Kyiv Vitali Klitschko has offered some punchy advice for Tyson Fury ahead of his fight against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.
The 51-year-old, who gave up his WBC title to become mayor in 2013, joked that for Fury to beat Usyk he would need to stay off the “junk food, alcohol and drugs”.
Speaking exclusively to filmmaker Andrew Drury from a city that is under constant bombardment from Russian drones and rockets, Vitali had some advice for Tyson ahead of the May 18 clash in Saudi Arabia.
He said: “Not so much junk food, no alcohol, no drugs and good prepare for this fight.”
Asked how he would call the contest, Vitali, who was known as ‘Dr Ironfist’ during his time in the ring, said: “Usyk and Fury have different skills, but they are very successful in his career and that’s why the whole world is looking and waiting for this fight.
“Everybody expects a very dramatic interesting fight, but nobody in the world can predict the decision of this fight. It’s heavyweight division, every punch makes a decision.
“And that’s why it will be biggest mistake to say who will be the winner. Yes, of course I keep my fingers crossed for Usyk.
“I hope Usyk will be winner in this fight and bring WBC belt back to Ukraine. But let’s see.”
Vitali, 51, joked in his head he was “ready to beat Usyk and Tyson Fury” himself in the ring, but he admitted in sport his age might be a problem.
He laughed: “I’m looking well, pretty well” but the fighter added: “But for every activity, special time, and right now I have much more important fight for my homeland.
“And this fight, is much more dangerous, this fight not is just for me, this fight is for my country. To be honest to be heavyweight champion of the world, in heavyweight division, is much easier than to be the politician.
“Because in boxing, in sport, there are clear rules, if you break the rules you will be disqualified. In politics it’s not an easy fight and we always have clear rules.”
Usyk and Fury had been due to fight on February 17 in the Saudi-hosted clash, but a cut to Fury’s eye during sparring postponed the clash until May 18.
Fury will be putting his WBC belt up for grabs against the WBA, WBO and IBF champion Usyk. It will be the heavyweight division’s first undisputed bout in 25 years.
