Maxim Klitschko has opened up about his decision to pursue basketball instead of following the boxing legacy of his father, legendary fighter Vitali Klitschko.
"I know my surname is important in sports, and I'm proud to carry it. However, boxing was never my favorite thing. I loved being outside, and eventually found myself on a court in the park. That's how I discovered my passion for basketball," – said the young athlete.
The son of Ukraine's boxing icon currently plays for the national U-20 basketball team. Despite carrying one of sport's most recognizable last names, he's determined to make his own path in a completely different athletic discipline.
"I'm still relatively new, but I understand I have potential in this sport," – Maxim added about his basketball journey.
Interestingly, his development hasn't been without setbacks. Recently, Klitschko couldn't help his Monaco youth squad claim the French championship title. A small bump in the road, perhaps.
Will the younger Klitschko eventually achieve in basketball what his father did in boxing? That remains to be seen, but he's clearly focused on creating his own sporting identity rather than living in his father's shadow.
