Former Heavyweight Champion Klitschko Brothers Volunteer To Fight Russia

Two Ukrainian former heavyweight champion boxers are answering President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call to Ukrainian citizens to take up arms and fight back against Russia.

The Klitschko brothers – Vitali (nicknamed “Dr. Ironfist”) and Wladimir, who are both Hall of Fame boxers – have volunteered their services to stand against Russian forces that have invaded their homeland. Both retired with impressive career records. Vitali had a 45-2 record and 41 KOs, which is the second-highest ever KO rate. Wladimir was a 64-5 fighter with 53 KOs. Both men held major heavyweight title titles at their peak. Wladimir was also awarded the 1996 Olympic gold medal.

Instead of fighting for titles, they’ll fight to protect their homeland.

“It’s already a bloody war,” Vitali, who is also the mayor of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, said Thursday on ITV’s “Good Morning Britain.” “… “… It is my only choice. “I would fight.”

Ukrainians won’t back down. Vitali Klitschko is the Mayor in Kyiv.#RussiaUkraineWar pic.twitter.com/tM2Y1j0EMJ

— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) February 25, 2022

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Wladimir (45) is one step ahead his brother, 50. The younger has been enlisted in Ukraine’s reserve army since early February as the country was bracing for the eventual invasion.

“Now the Russian President [Vladimir Putin]Wladimir Klotschko, a Linkedin user on Thursday said that he uses war rhetoric… he declares his desire to destabilize the Ukrainian government and its sovereignty.” Words can be followed by tanks and missiles. We will be destroyed and killed. …We will fight for democracy and freedom with every ounce of our strength.

Two of hundreds of thousands of people who have received or are currently receiving military training in Russia include the Klitschko brothers. In January, Ukraine had roughly 130,000 volunteers ready to supplement the military’s first line of defense at the border to stave off Russia’s impending invasion.

It doesn’t matter what the outcome of the conflict is, it inspires to see everyday people like these former heavyweight champions willing to sacrifice everything for the country they love.