“MAN, I’m suffering” were some of the first painful words from the former heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko is the wake of his sensational loss to Britain’s Tyson Fury last Saturday (November 28) in Dusseldorf.

As the defeat has marinated in the mind of the once imperious ‘king of the big men’, Klitschko’s pain is still evident: “It’s been four days now and I need some time to understand what happened and to decide my next steps.”

“But, I have to thank my fans, my team and all my partners. You have always been great and supportive. After an 11-year winning streak, I now begin to realize that you are even greater in defeat” added the 39-year-old Ukrainian.

“I received many messages over these last few days. Your kind words and blessings are helping me get through this rough time. The Klitschko story will continue. Failure is not an option.”

Classy as a champion, and now gracious in defeat.

His trainer Johnathon Banks is confident his charge will fight again: “This is a boxing match, you’ve got to have a winner and loser. Tyson did a good job, he won. But I do believe that Wladimir Klitschko will be back.”