dream of the record
Klitschko flirts with comeback after the war
4/25/2022, 12:07 p.m
Wladimir Klitschko is one of the most successful fighters in boxing history. The Ukrainian has been world champion for many years, and is currently waiting in his attacked homeland in the war with Russia. But there are also thoughts of a one-off return to the ring.
Former world boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has once again discussed a comeback. Two days after the resignation of WBC world champion Tyson Fury, against whom Klitschko lost in 2015, the 46-year-old Ukrainian told the “Bild” newspaper. “Maybe I have this dream of breaking George Foreman’s record. It motivates me to get up and exercise every day.” He doesn’t want to make any promises that are too big, but he has “also learned that despite the war, you shouldn’t forget life.”
Klitschko had already reported a few years ago that he would be tempted by the age record set by former champion George Foreman. At that time he emphasized that although no comeback was planned, he could imagine “a unique spectacle”. He renewed that now: “I don’t want to break a jaw, I want to break a record.” At the age of 45 years, 9 months and 25 days, Foreman had won the WBA and IBF world titles against his compatriot Michael Moorer, who was 18 years his junior.
Klitschko, who is currently supporting his brother – Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko – during the war in Ukraine, is older. “If I’m in good shape and, above all, that the war in Ukraine is coming to an end soon, and that our borders stand without any invasion coming from Russia, then in the end: who knows?”
Foreman advised Klitschko against a comeback two years ago. “Why should he box again? Only if he really needs the money should he try it. But if everything fits financially, I would advise him not to box again,” said the American. Klitschko ended his ring career in the summer of 2017 after 69 professional fights (64 wins). The decisive factors were the defeats against Fury and his compatriot Anthony Joshua at the end of his career.