Barry McGuigan, a former world champion and boxing promoter, has told a heavyweight legend to stay retired. McGuigan's advice comes amid rumors of a potential comeback for the former champion.
McGuigan, who won 32 of his 35 fights and united Protestants and Catholics during his career, knows a thing or two about retiring at the right time. He hung up his gloves in 1989 after claiming belts at all levels and was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.
The heavyweight in question is likely Wladimir Klitschko, who's almost 50 and retired in 2017 after losing to Anthony Joshua. That defeat came 18 months after another loss to Tyson Fury, ending Klitschko's long reign in the heavyweight divisions.
Rumors have been swirling that Klitschko might come out of retirement to fight the current IBF champion Daniel Dubois. McGuigan shared his thoughts on this potential comeback in an interview with talkSPORT Boxing.
"When you retire, stay retired. But each person makes his own statement and with what's going on in Ukraine and Russia he may want to do something to create in terms of that."
McGuigan thinks Klitschko might have other motives for considering a return to the ring. The former champion's brother is the Mayor of Kyiv, and a comeback could bring publicity to the Ukraine-Russia situation.
However, from a purely boxing perspective, McGuigan doesn't think it's a good idea. He said Klitschko "should not bother coming out of retirement" if we're looking at it realistically.
It's worth noting that Daniel Dubois, the current IBF champion and potential opponent for Klitschko, previously trained in McGuigan's gym. This connection adds an interesting layer to McGuigan's advice.
Tyson Fury, who defeated Klitschko before his retirement, has also hung up his gloves. This means Klitschko missed his chance for a rematch and potential revenge against Fury.
McGuigan continues to work in boxing as a promoter and manager, often collaborating with his son Shane McGuigan, who's a trainer. His advice to Klitschko comes from years of experience both in and out of the ring.
