Wladimir Klitschko is contemplating a shock comeback to make an attempt to win another world title at the age of 48.
Klitschko has not boxed since his 2017 loss to Anthony Joshua. But speculation has ignited that the Ukrainian, a dominant heavyweight world champion in his time, could be tempted out of retirement to seek a record-breaking title victory.
Tom Loeffler, who founded K2 Promotions with the Klitschko brothers, revealed to Sky Sports: “I do know at one point it was a dream of his to break George Foreman’s record and become the oldest heavyweight champion.”
But he added: “I don’t want to speak for Wladimir, I’ll let him say everything related to that.”
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Oleksandr Usyk and Fury star in an epic trailer ahead of their rematch
There are four major world titles. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight for three of them, the WBC, WBO and WBA belts, in their December 21 rematch, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Daniel Dubois holds the fourth and final belt, the IBF heavyweight title.
“He wouldn’t fight Usyk because that’s his countryman, but now with the likes of Daniel Dubois, and depending what happens, we may see him come out of retirement,” Loeffler said.
“But we’ll let him make any announcement. A lot depends on what happens December 21.
“There is no better ambassador for boxing than Wladimir and his brother Vitali. If we see Wladimir back in the ring, I think a lot of fans would be super excited to see him again.”
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Daniel Dubois says he wants to fight all the top guys as he targets an undisputed fight after his bout against Joseph Parker
After losing his unified world titles to Fury in 2015, Klitschko was due to box him again only to see that fall through. Loeffler wonders if, all these years later, that second fight could still happen.
“There was a rematch clause there with Tyson Fury, but after winning that fight Tyson went off the rails, so Wladimir never got the rematch he was supposed to get contractually. So, you never know, if that happens down the road it would be a tremendous fight,” he said.
“But we’ll see, everyone is focusing on December 21 and then it depends what Wladimir decides to do. He is in a situation in Ukraine that can change on a daily basis. I’m just glad they are fighting as hard as they are. If there is a chance for Wladimir to get back in the ring it will be his decision, but we will support in that for sure.”
Dubois himself would welcome an IBF world title fight with Klitschko. “This is that era now where anything can happen in boxing,” Dubois told Sky Sports.
Fury ended Wladimir Klitschko’s heavyweight title reign
“I think there was a bit of talk about that before but he obviously didn’t fancy it. ‘Do I want Daniel on my case? This young lion hunting me down, nah’.
“Guys like that can come out of retirement. Look Mike Tyson had an exhibition fight the other day. It’s all to play for. It’s good.
“If all the terms are right then, yeah, let’s fight.”
Loeffler noted: “Every time I see Wladimir, he’s in tremendous shape. He trains all the time, he stays fit, he’s one of the most athletic people I’ve ever met. If anyone could do it, Wladimir could, but let’s see.
“I’d certainly be cheering for him if he made history in boxing with that type of emotional story.”
Watch Usyk vs Fury II live on Sky Sports Box Office on December 21