Anthony Joshua vindicated all the excitement surrounding his rise through the heavyweight division when he claimed victory over Wladimir Klitschko in April.

The Olympic gold medalist overcame Dr. Steelhammer in front of a packed Wembley Stadium, becoming the first fighter to knockout Klitschko since his defeat to Lamon Brewster in 2004.

Regardless of the winner, though, it will endure as one of the most exciting heavyweight championship clashes of recent years.

Both fighters exchanged knockdowns in the fifth and sixth rounds respectively and even when Joshua turned the screw in round 11, Klitschko refused to go down without a fight.

That all considered, you'd think there'd be no doubts over Joshua's crowning moment.

Wladimir's brother - Vitali - certainly isn't happy about that April bout, however.

Despite having retired from boxing five years ago, the older brother of Klitschko clan not only believes that Joshua's win was lucky but that he is determined to avenge his sibling's defeat.

Just to clarify, this is a 46-year-old politician. A revered heavyweight fighter in his time, of course, and with a 45-2 record at that but when Wladimir was considered too old to fight AJ, it's difficult to see his older brother posing a harder challenge.

Speaking to FightHubTV, Vitali explained: “It was great fight of Wladimir and Joshua, great fight.

“I feel a bit guilty, because I told to Wladimir in the corner please don’t be so active in round number six when Wladimir sent Joshua to the floor.

“I expect a big-muscled athlete to not recover, I was surprised, Joshua recovered so fast and stopped Wladimir.

“If I didn't tell him to stop, then Wladimir might have knocked him out, six or maybe round number seven."

“Wladimir lost the fight against Corrie Sanders, I knock out Corrie Sanders next fight, because I defend my brother."

“A fight against Joshua is my best wish. I have a feeling I can do it better, I have to fight Joshua and bring back the belt to the family."

Yes, Vitali really did say that.

It's hard to see any result but victory for Joshua if the ludicrous fight would ever take place. His comments are likely just fighting talk, though, and lip service for his defeated brother.

Nevertheless, he did candidly reveal how he has coped with retirement.

He added: “I miss boxing very much. Boxing will always stay in my heart my whole life.

"Boxing give me chances, boxing gave me push in my life.

“Wladimir was for a long time the best heavyweight in the world. Joshua stopped him and this means he is the best one.

"But that was just a lucky fight, a lucky day for Joshua."