Wladimir Klitschko might step back into the boxing ring. The former heavyweight champion is thinking about making a comeback at 48 years old.
Klitschko last fought in April 2017 at Wembley Stadium in London. He put up a tough fight against Anthony Joshua, even knocking him down, but lost in the second-to-last round. Since then, he's stayed in shape and kept training.
The Ukrainian legend has a big goal in mind. He wants to break George Foreman's record as the oldest world heavyweight champion. Foreman set that record in 1994 when he beat Michael Moorer at 45 to win the WBA and IBF titles.
Klitschko talked about his possible return on a recent podcast.
"Look, I've been always ready, I've been always training, I've been always ready and still [am]. And you just said this word rumours, those rumours being for a long time since my retirement and I mentioned that as well to break George Foreman's record, that would be something that is really exciting."
There were reports that Oleksandr Usyk's team would welcome Klitschko back for a title fight. Usyk, also from Ukraine, just beat Tyson Fury for the second time on December 21. He's now seen as the top heavyweight of his time.
But Klitschko made it clear he won't fight Usyk. He explained why in the same interview:
"With Oleksandr Usyk, could you imagine two Ukrainians gonna fight each other, he's not my brother you know we don't have the same blood and same parents, but he's my countryman and our country is at war and it would definitely send the wrong message."
Ukraine is still at war, and Klitschko feels a fight between two Ukrainians wouldn't be right at this time. But he's leaving the door open for a comeback against someone else.
Usyk plans to keep boxing after his big win over Fury. He's already conquered both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Now, fans are eager to see who he'll face next – and if Klitschko will make his return to challenge for the title once again.
