Wladimir Klitschko remembered his last fight in the professional ring, and also explained why he could not leave the sport after losing to Tyson Fury.
"In 2003-2004, I was really concerned, and I had the feeling that at any moment I could lose again. Success for me did not matter. But this criticism at that time tempered my character. He became steel. However, as an athlete, I still do not understand how I lost to Anthony Joshua. Although there were moments, especially in my fight against Tyson Fury, when I walked into my corner and thought: "I'm losing, but I do not care!". Perhaps at that moment it was my subconscious. But I repeat, I still do not understand how I lost to Joshua: I was better and very well prepared for this fight. When I think so, I probably must admit: this world will never be the same.”
According to Klitschko, he would hardly feel good if he went into a "sports retirement" after failing in a fight against Fury:
"I think that someone from above gave me a sign and took 100 days before deciding to retire after fighting with Joshua. You cannot experience this anymore, even if you think differently. I saw that everything does not work as it should. But, despite the defeat, I finished my career with dignity.
“I will say this: my soul and brain would not have found peace if I had left after the battle with Tyson Fury. I really wanted rematch, but then my opponent had some scandals that prevented it. Thank God, I got a fight against Joshua. This was a blessing for me. Because, despite the defeat, I "closed" another duel. No one is talking about that fight anymore.
“Once I said: "I'll tell you about my heritage, when I finish the sport. Now, I say: "I look at my heritage. Twelve years of possession of the title! I thought about this before, but I could not believe it. I must say: it was a good job," said Wladimir.