Former boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko says he is not currently working on a comeback to the ring, but is still keeping fit and would be ready.
The 48-year-old Ukrainian commented on the rumors in a post on the X platform: “At the moment I am not concerned with my return to boxing, but with the return of Russians to their country, outside Ukraine.” Despite the war in his homeland that has been going on for almost three years, the former heavyweight champion also added: “And to be clear, I never stopped training, so if there was a fight, I would be ready at a moment’s notice.”
This weekend he will only watch the fight of a talented Ukrainian, added Klitschko, who will watch the World Championship rematch between superstars Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday in Riyadh.
Abendzeitung quotes Klitschko: “I’m ready”
The “Abendzeitung” from Munich (Friday edition) had previously reported that Klitschko had confirmed his comeback plans and quoted him as saying: “I’m ready to take on the next challenge.”
The focus of the rumors surrounding Klitschko was a duel against the British Fury next year. He surprisingly lost on points against the now 36-year-old in 2015 and had to give up his World Championship belt. Several media outlets had recently speculated about a comeback if Fury won against the Ukrainian Usyk.
Long-running rumors
The “Süddeutsche Zeitung” recently reported, citing its own information, that Klitschko had signaled his willingness to make a comeback. The rumors arose again and again after Klitschko lost his last fight in 2017 against the Brit Anthony Joshua, who was 14 years his junior, after a spectacular duel and ended his career a few months later.
Promoter Frank Warren recently confirmed that there had been background discussions with Klitschko. “I’m not a big fan of old guys returning to the sport. I’ve made that very clear, but let’s see what happens.”said Warren.
The Saudi Arabian investor Turki al-Sheikh, who is currently bringing all top international fights to the country, also recently called on Klitschko to return to the ring at the annual congress of the WBC in Hamburg. However, Klitschko, who was present and had his photo taken with al-Sheikh, kept a low profile there.