Former boxing world champion Henry Maske sees the commitment of the two brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko as a sign for the war-torn population in Ukraine.
“Their often proven strength can actually give the Ukrainians hope if these two leading figures are at their side,” said the 58-year-old Maske of the “Märkische Oderzeitung”. “They are icons for their country.”
The older brother Vitaly (50), Mayor of Kyiv, fills his position in an extraordinary way, said the 1988 Olympic champion in the middleweight division: “He lives and practices it just as we know him as a boxer and have come to appreciate him very much.” But Wladimir (45) triggers full admiration from Maske: “He could have observed everything from the USA. But no, these two brothers stick together. Just like they always did. I see that as a very strong message to the Ukrainian People.”
Maske, who was a boxer in the Frankfurt/Oder Army Sports Club and a lieutenant colonel in the National People’s Army in East Germany, would have been stuck in a comparable position. The squad athlete had not received any military training, as he was exempted from military service due to preparation for a competition, so that he had never held a weapon in his hand. “In the event of war, I would have been among those who are now in Ukraine: great attitude, but absolutely helpless,” said the former professional light heavyweight world champion. “Looking back, it’s totally scary for me.”