Roy Jones Jr has given his support to Wladimir Klitschko's potential return to boxing. The former multi-weight world champion thinks the heavyweight legend has what it takes to compete again.
Jones Jr's backing comes after Mike Tyson's recent comeback at 58 years old. Tyson lost on points to Jake Paul in what turned out to be a less-than-thrilling affair. Jones Jr himself stepped back into the ring in 2023, winning a majority decision over Anthony Pettis.
In an interview with Prime Casino, Jones Jr explained why he thinks Klitschko could make a successful return:
"Wladimir Klitschko is big enough to do anything. See, what people don't realise is that for heavyweights, it is a little easier to make a comeback. When you're that big and you do have power and IQ-wise, Klitschko to me is a little more advanced than Tyson Fury. Power-wise, he's definitely more advanced than Fury. So why couldn't he come back? If he could take the punch, why not?"
Jones Jr pointed out that Klitschko's size, power, and fight IQ give him an edge over current heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. However, he didn't ignore the potential issues:
"But the chin is always gonna be a problem for Klitschko. You know that was one of his weaknesses in his prime—if you could get to the chin, you could get him. But you gotta get to it."
Klitschko's career spans 69 fights with 53 wins by knockout. He reigned as unified champion from 2008 to 2015 before losing to Fury on points in Germany. His last fight was a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in 2017, after which he retired.
Now, Klitschko aims to break George Foreman's record as the oldest world heavyweight champion. Reports suggest he might face WBC interim title holder Agit Kabayel for his comeback fight.
The heavyweight title picture could open up after Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois face off in July. Klitschko has ruled out fighting his countryman Usyk, but other opportunities might arise if the belts get scattered after that contest.
Jones Jr remains open to competing again himself and supports older fighters making comebacks. With his endorsement, Klitschko's potential return to the ring gains more credibility in the boxing world.
