Wladimir Klitschko is ready to return to the boxing ring: The former heavyweight number one confirmed plans for a spectacular comeback on Thursday.
“I am ready to take on the next challenge,” said the 48-year-old Klitschko to the “Münchner Abendzeitung”.
Boxing has always been “a tool” for him to achieve his goals. The sport has made him a fighter who is “always ready to overcome challenges. In the ring, in life, on the front line,” said the Ukrainian. Klitschko did not comment on possible opponents.
Most recently there had been speculation about a fight on February 22nd against the British IBF world champion Daniel Dubois. The upcoming Klitschko comeback was probably orchestrated by the Saudi businessman Turki Al-Sheikh, currently the most powerful man in boxing. In the run-up to the mega fight between Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk next Saturday in Riyadh, he said that he wanted Klitschko to be the opponent for the winner. It is questionable whether this will happen.
Revenge against Fury?
A duel with Fury would be a chance for revenge for Klitschko; in November 2015 he lost the three world championship belts of the IBF, IBO and WBO associations against the Brit in Düsseldorf.
Should Klitschko fight for a world title, he would also have the opportunity to replace George Foreman as the oldest heavyweight champion. Klitschko has not been in the ring since 2017.