The narrative of a horrific war went beyond hideous this week as the former heavyweight champion Klitschko brothers got labeled murderers for their part.
Going on TV to speak with reporters, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko admitted that a group of Ukraine defenders, including himself and his brother Wladimir, killed six people in one night.
“We killed some people, I guessed six people last night,” Vitali told Sky News.
Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko says the bulk of the Russian forces remain around 20km (12 miles) or "maybe less" from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Live updates: https://t.co/cz5NTchyMw
???? Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/Ug5N6EWjB6
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 27, 2022
The controversy came as social media, whether bots or not, went into overdrive to call the act murder. Despite the conflict and Russian advance, it’s a shocking statement against the ex-boxers.
Spending their time between taking cover and fighting in Kyiv as they attempt to fend off an almost inevitable Russian victory, the Klitschko’s are also said to be on a hitlist to be killed when found.
During his admission, Vitali Klitschko called for an end to war.
“I’m calling to all international partners to observe this tragedy that is happening nowadays in Ukraine. This senseless war is not going to have any winners or losers.
“I just want to tell you we must stay united against this aggression, this Russian aggression.
“Don’t let it continue happening in Ukraine, don’t let it happen in Europe and eventually in the world.
“United, we’re strong. Support Ukraine, thank you.”
KLITSCHKO BROTHERS
A former three-time world heavyweight champion, as is his brother Wladimir, the pair are considered heroes for remaining in the country to fight.
Current top division ruler Oleksandr Usyk returned when he didn’t have to and could have trained or a rematch with Anthony Joshua. Ex-pound for pound king Vasyl Lomachenko also took arms to fight for his country.
None of these men are murderers if they kill in the heat of battle. They are simply defending their sovereign land.
The views expressed in this article are opinions of Phil Jay.
Phil Jay has over ten years of boxing news experience. Founding editor of World Boxing News since 2010, WBN has over one billion views on all platforms.
Attending over 200 events and scoring over 400 fights, Phil Jay has overseen WBN to a quarter of a million followers on social media.
Follow WBN on Twitter @WorldBoxingNews.
