Ukrainian heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko is edging closer to a sensational return to boxing.
The 48-year-old has not fought since his thrilling encounter with two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in April 2017, where he floored the Brit before he was stopped in the penultimate round of their showdown at Wembley Stadium in London.
It has been rumoured that the former long-reigning unified heavyweight champion is seriously considering a return to the sport, as Klitschko targets beating ‘Big’ George Foreman’s record of becoming the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history.
That record has stood ever since Foreman defeated Michael Moorer to capture the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles back in 1994.
However, when speaking to The Ring Magazine, Klitschko confirmed the door remains open for his return, but revealed he won’t be facing his fellow countryman.
“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.
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.”
Oleksandr Usyk picked up a second consecutive victory over Tyson Fury on December 21, cementing himself as the greatest heavyweight of his generation.
Usyk has confirmed he will be continuing his boxing career, despite there being rumours that he could walk away from the sport after conquering the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.
