The former world champion retired in 2017, however, rumors of a return began circulating in 2024.
The last performance fans would get to witness from Wladimir Klitschko came in 2017 when the Ukrainian faced Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium. Losing the fight via 11th-round TKO, Klitschko hung up his gloves and left the sport.
His career would see him pick up the IBF, IBO, and WBO, heavyweight titles as he is one of the most accomplished heavyweights of the modern era.
Among his notable wins, Klitschko has gotten the better of the likes of Alexander Povetkin, Chris Byrd, and David Haye.
However, it is seemingly not impossible that the now 64-5 fighter could add another name to his resume.
Wladimir Klitschko not ruling out a return to the ring
In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, Klitschko was asked to either confirm or deny the recent rumors regarding a surprising return to boxing aged 48.
In response, Klitschko said, “I’ve always been training, I’ve always been ready.”
The Ukrainian would say that these rumors have persisted since he retired in 2017, however, 2024 would see it become an even bigger talking point. This included Daniel Dubois showing interest in a fight with Klitschko.
However, Klitschko said “It would be something” to break the record set by George Foreman as he became world heavyweight champion at 45 years old.
In terms of what may be preventing the Ukrainian from returning to the ring, Klitschko said, “The devil is in the details.” However, he also added, “We’re going through a lot of details right now.”
Klitschko would finish by saying “There is nothing to announce,” before emphatically adding “Yet.”
Wladimir Klitschko on a potential fight with Oleksandr Usyk
Whilst discussing the potential of a return to boxing, Klitschko began speaking about fellow countryman Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk is currently the holder of the WBA, WBC, and IBO World Heavyweight titles, meaning a win over his countryman would allow Klitschko to break Foreman’s record.
However, Klitschko is seemingly not interested in a fight with the current champion.
“Could you imagine now, two Ukrainians fighting each other? He’s not my brother, we don’t have the same blood or the same parents, but he’s my countryman. Our country is at war, it’s definitely going to send the wrong message.”
It is unclear who the former champion could face on a return to the boxing ring, however, Klitschko has also been called out by knockout artist Shannon Briggs in recent months.