Why Vitali Klitschko tried to fight Anthony Joshua just moments after AJ beat his brother Wladimir Klitschko

Every British boxing fan will never forget where they were when Anthony Joshua beat Wladimir Klitschko.

The famous night, in front of 90,000 people at Wembley Stadium in 2017, will live long in the memory for all its drama and excitement.

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For those with an even sharper memory, it may even be easy to remember how they felt when Joshua rocked the giant Ukrainian with a huge uppercut to change the course of the fight in round 11.

Whether it was Joshua having to climb off the canvas or former champion Klitschko showing tremendous heart in the face of adversity, it certainly was an emotional night in north London.

But what you may not know is that Joshua nearly had a fight with a second Klitschko that very same night on 29 April.

The newly crowned unified world champion had to be separated from Wladimir's big brother Vitali on the ring apron in the aftermath of the fight being called off.

Wladimir's cutman Jacob 'Stitch' Duran revealed how a compliment from Joshua was simply lost in translation, but led to the former WBC heavyweight champion trying to get his hands on the 2012 Olympian.

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"Johnathon [Banks, Wladimir’s trainer] was telling me something had happened. Johnathon’s response was when someone speaks real fast to him [Vitali], and maybe with a British accent, he responds according to what he hears," 'Stitch' told

"So I think Anthony Joshua, went over to congratulate Wladimir and said ‘effing good fight’ and Vitali picked up on just ‘effing,’ that’s what JB was telling me.

"He said he had to come in between them, he and Joshua have a good relationship and [Banks] stepped in…"

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn took to Instagram on the three-year anniversary of the fight to recall the moment.

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He : "Before the first bell AJ switched his glare from Wlad to Vitali and they wouldn’t take their eyes off each other throughout the national anthems, it was unbelievable to watch.

"After the fight they confronted each other before shaking hands and offering their respect.

"Was just part of the drama of an incredible night!"

AJ has since lost his titles, for a second time, to Klitschko compatriot, Oleksandr Usyk.

He has a chance to regain his belts, live on talkSPORT on Saturday night, when they will rematch in a lucrative Saudi Arabia bout.