Wladimir Klitschko does not rule out a return to the boxing ring. Axel Schulz would be happy to see the former heavyweight champion back on the big sports stage, as he explains in an exclusive interview. At the same time, the German ex-professional is against “Dr. Steelhammer” being allowed to fight for a title straight away.
“If he wants to become the oldest heavyweight world champion of all time, he should do it,” said Schulz in an exclusive interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de clear.
The 56-year-old noted at the same time: “But I don’t think it’s right that he should be allowed to fight for a title straight away, if that happens.” It would take “a few fights to establish yourself again in the world rankings,” argued Schulz, who made it clear: “If only money rules then, you will destroy my beloved boxing sport.”
Klitschko puts reports of boxing comeback into perspective
The “Münchner Abendzeitung” reported on Thursday that Klitschko was getting back into the ring. “I’m ready to take on the next challenge,” he was quoted as saying. Klitschko then put reports of an imminent comeback into perspective on the short message service X.
“These days there are many rumors about a possible comeback. At the moment I am not concerned about my return to boxing, but about the return of the Russians to their country, outside of Ukraine,” wrote Klitschko.
In the corresponding post, the Ukrainian shared a picture with compatriot Alexander Usyk. Klitschko stated: “So IF there is a fight, I would be ready immediately. But this weekend I will only watch a fight with a talented Ukrainian.”
Usyk will face Tyson Fury again on Saturday evening in Riyadh. The 37-year-old won the first fight for the heavyweight crown in May over twelve rounds with 2-1 judges’ votes.
Rumors about Klitschko’s comeback
Klitschko, on the other hand, was last in the ring in 2017.
In recent weeks there have been rumors about a possible fight between the 48-year-old and IBF world champion Daniel Dubois. At the same time, Saudi boxing mogul Turki Al-Sheikh is envisioning a revenge between Klitschko and Fury. The “Gypsy King” dethroned Klitschko in the heavyweight division in Düsseldorf at the end of 2015. In order to fight again, Fury would first have to win the rematch against Usyk on Saturday.
Klitschko had repeatedly flirted with a return in recent years, citing George Foreman’s record as a goal. In 1995, at the age of almost 46, the American became boxing champion of all classes again.
Schulz would be happy about Klitschko’s comeback
In any case, Schulz would be happy to see the Ukrainian in the boxing ring again in the future. “Well Wladimir can come back, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him. That would be sensational,” said Schulz, who said Klitschko was “fit” and “in good shape.” At the same time, the ex-professional repeated his opinion that there should not be a world championship fight just because there is a lot of money.
It remains to be seen whether, when and against which opponent Klitschko will box again in the future.