A record that Klitschko can break
Talks about Wladimir Klitschko's possible return to the ring are constantly focused on Foreman's ‘eternal’ record: On 5 November 1994, at the age of 45, George Foreman entered the ring against Michael Moorer and knocked him out in the 10th round. He became the oldest heavyweight champion in history. Wladimir Klitschko is already 48, so his victory will be a new record. Will he be able to achieve it? Volodymyr Zolotarev, the former Klitschko brothers' coach, explains that everything will depend on Volodymyr's preparation for the fight.
I think he can come back. We can see that he is training, he feels good, but I don't know his condition. If he takes the right attitude to his return, then, of course, he will succeed. He's already 48, so if he's ready, he has to work. The age is such that you have to work and give it your all even more than before. If it was Vitaliy who said he was coming back, I would tell you with certainty that there would be a victory, but Wladimir sometimes underperforms. So, if he does his best, if he works hard, he will succeed," says Volodymyr Zolotarev.
Wladimir's wish multiplied by Turki Al-Sheikh's wish
The most interesting thing is that the world's No. 1 boxing promoter, organiser of boxing nights, and head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, is now interested in Wladimir's return.
"I want to see you in the ring fighting for the world title. I will ask all boxing organisations to give you a chance to fulfil your dream,’ Turki said to Volodymyr during a sporting event in Germany.
"A return to sport? I've been there for almost thirty years. I don't see myself returning to the sport. For me, the so-called last dance is very interesting. It might make sense. If you ask me if I rule out the possibility of a last dance, it would be a mistake, because I can still do it. I don't know how long it will last. Health is such a complicated thing... Here it is, and here it is not," Klitschko commented on his possible return in an interview with the Bombardyr YouTube channel.
Another of his former coaches, Ali Bashir, also believes in Klitschko, and in an exclusive comment to LB.ua he said that he was confident that Wladimir would win, no matter who his opponent was.
"Wladimir is a champion in every sense of the word. If anyone can come back loudly after a break in sport, it is Wladimir. He has the mindset and the will to win. All this combined with the desire to come back and become a champion again. I'm not just saying this because I used to coach him. I say this because I believe in him. I know his skills and I would love to see him back on top and become the oldest champion in the world. Wladimir is a champion forever," says Bashir.
Who will be Klitschko's next opponent?
If we're talking about Wladimir's championship fight, there are currently two champions in the super-heavyweight division: Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBO, WBA and WBC belts, and Daniel Dubois, who currently holds the IBF title.
The chances of a Klitschko-Usyk fight are almost zero. This was confirmed by Oleksandr Usyk's promoter, Oleksandr Krasyuk, on his Instagram.
As a result, there is only one champion that Wladimir can box with - Daniel Dubois. It is important to note that Dubois himself will soon defend his championship against Joseph Parker. It's likely that Klitschko will take on the winner of this fight. But let's not forget about Oleksandr Usyk, who will want to unify the belts for the third time and become the absolute world champion.
Obviously, everything will be in the hands of the promoters and Turki Al-Sheikh. In March this year, Wladimir will turn 49, so the time for a bright comeback is getting shorter every day.
Klitschko vs Fury 2
Recently, the media reported another scenario. It is said that Usyk may release one of his belts for the rematch between Klitschko and Fury.
This fight will definitely be interesting for boxing fans, given the result of the first fight between Wladimir and Tyson.
We asked Alina Shaternikova, Vice President of the Professional Boxing League, whether the fight between Fury and Klitschko will take place.
"I know that Wladimir is constantly training, that there are no long pauses in his systematic physical activity. He trains like a boxer, not just for the sake of physical activity. He works on projectiles, works in pairs.
Nevertheless, it seems to me that today he has a more important mission in life than the rumours of his return to the ring. It is clear that sooner or later you still want to return to competitions if you were an athlete, but there is a time for everything. Perhaps Wladimir is attracted only by the fact that he would like to prove to himself that he can handle Tyson Fury even at this age. It is possible. At the same time, Fury has already announced his retirement, so it's a dubious story now. But we know Tyson, who says one thing today and another tomorrow. Considering a potential fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Wladimir Klitschko is a ridiculous story, I don't believe in it.
Wladimir Klitschko is a legend, a great champion who held the world title for 11 years. He is known all over the world, so I think he is now more effective as a person who conducts a lot of negotiations in support of Ukraine. He is a cool speaker who constantly keeps his finger on the pulse and shows people abroad that the war in Ukraine is ongoing, that people are dying, that our infrastructure is being destroyed, and that the occupation forces continue the genocide of the Ukrainian people. Wladimir is now one of the coolest athletes among current and former athletes, and he is a spokesperson for Ukraine in the world," Shaternikova explained.
However, this is just speculation and talk. Wladimir Klitschko will have the last word, as he continues to stir up interest in this event with cryptic statements.