Oleksandr Usyk has weighed in on the rumours of Wladimir Klitschko making a sensational return to boxing after seven years away from the sport.
The 48-year-old dominated the heavyweight division alongside his brother Vitali, holding multiple versions of world titles from 2000 to 2015, when he was finally dethroned by Tyson Fury in a big upset.
Klitschko then fought in April 2017, when he challenged Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium. After an electric contest from start to finish, it was Joshua who prevailed after getting up from the canvas to stop the Ukrainian in the penultimate round.
It has been reported in recent months that ‘Dr. Steelhammer’ is keen on making a return to boxing, setting his sights on becoming the oldest world heavyweight champion in history, a record that is currently held by George Foreman who was 46 years old when he last held world honours.
Hall of fame promoter Frank Warren revealed to Boxing News that the former heavyweight great is interested in being given a chance to break the record held by ‘Big George’.
“We have spoken with [Klitschko] a couple of times out in Saudi, especially the last time, and he did indicate that he wanted to come back and fight.”
Current unified heavyweight champion Usyk has also commented on a potential return for his fellow countryman, with Klitschko revealing a conversation the pair had earlier in the year.
“Oleksandr called me recently for my birthday and said ‘listen I wish that your dream will come true and you are going to become the oldest heavyweight champion of the world.’
It remains unclear if we will see the long reigning heavyweight champion re-enter the sport, with talks set to continue into the new year.
