Vitali Klitschko admits he is plagued by guilt about his brother, Wladimir's defeat by Anthony Joshua after offering the "wrong advice" in the corner at Wembley.
The Ukrainian appeared on the brink of a dramatic victory when he floored Joshua in the sixth round of the world heavyweight title fight, but the home favourite fought back to produce a stunning stoppage win in the 11th round.
Vitali was part of Wladimir's coaching team and bitterly regrets his decision to demand a cautious approach from his younger brother after he badly hurt Joshua.
He told Boxingscene.com: "Immediately after the fight, we were barely speaking. We do not need to talk, it was just enough to look into each other's eyes.
Quote
"Only in the locker room, I thanked him for one of the best fights of his career. I know how important this fight was for him and unfortunately, we saw what happened. In the heavyweight division, each punch can be decisive.
Vitali Klitschko insists he feels partly to blame for Wladimir Klitschko's defeat by Anthony Joshua
"I blame myself for the defeat of my brother, I share some of the blame. When Wladimir almost knocked Joshua out, I gave him the wrong advice.
"I was positive that Joshua, with his huge muscle mass, would not be able to last [the distance]. I advised Wladimir not to rush anything. I had hoped that after the seventh, the eighth round, Joshua would really slow down.
"Now I think that maybe it was a mistake, maybe it was necessary to finish him off sooner."
Wladimir is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks about a possible rematch, but Vitali will stand by him regardless of whether he choose to fight on, or enter retirement.
"To be honest, Wladimir has nothing more to prove," said Vitali. "I do not know any other boxers who have gathered as many titles and defended them all, dominating for more than 10 years.
"He has nothing to prove, but whatever decision he makes - I will support him."
Vitali Klitschko insists he feels partly to blame for Wladimir Klitschko's defeat by Anthony Joshua
"I blame myself for the defeat of my brother, I share some of the blame. When Wladimir almost knocked Joshua out, I gave him the wrong advice.
"I was positive that Joshua, with his huge muscle mass, would not be able to last [the distance]. I advised Wladimir not to rush anything. I had hoped that after the seventh, the eighth round, Joshua would really slow down.
"Now I think that maybe it was a mistake, maybe it was necessary to finish him off sooner."
Wladimir is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks about a possible rematch, but Vitali will stand by him regardless of whether he choose to fight on, or enter retirement.
"To be honest, Wladimir has nothing more to prove," said Vitali. "I do not know any other boxers who have gathered as many titles and defended them all, dominating for more than 10 years.
"He has nothing to prove, but whatever decision he makes - I will support him."
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