WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO could be set for a shock showdown with a former UFC heavyweight champion – at the ripe old age of 48.
The former unified heavyweight champion hung up his gloves in August 2017, four months after suffering an 11th-round TKO loss to Anthony Joshua.
APWladimir Klitschko has been linked with a stunning ring return at the age of 48[/caption]
GETTYKlitschko retired in the summer of 2017 following defeat to Anthony Joshua[/caption]
GETTYFormer UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou claims Klitschko is an “option” for his own ring return[/caption]
Klitschko has kept himself in remarkable shape over the years and has repeatedly been linked with a shock comeback.
And former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has claimed the Ukrainian is an “option” for his own ring return.
‘The Predator’ told Sportsbook Review: “[Rico Verhoeven] could happen, but I don’t know. As I said, I have a few fights left.
“I focus on very few fights, not on options. There’s a lot of options. Rico [Verhoeven] is an option.
“Derek Chisora is an option. Wladimir Klitschko could be an option.”
A showdown with Ngannou, who dropped Tyson Fury as he took him the distance in their clash in October 2023, could prove to be one of the toughest of Klitschko’s career.
That’s on account of the fact Ngannou is an unorthodox striker in comparison to traditional boxers and Klitschko has been out of the ring for the best part of a decade.
Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh is interested in giving the younger Klitschko brother the opportunity to return to the ring.
GETTYWladimir Klitschko has kept himself in tip-top shape since his retirement[/caption]
Speaking ahead of Oleksandr Usyk‘s rematch with Fury last December, he said: “To give [Klitschko] the chance. This is perfect.
“Of course, he won’t fight Usyk if he wins [against Tyson Fury].
“Because they’re two heroes from Ukraine [and] will not fight each other. This is the dream.”
But Klitschko’s main concern at this moment time is helping his native Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
‘Dr Steelhammer’ said: ” There are a lot of rumours these days about a possible comeback.
“At the moment, I’m not concerned with my return to boxing, but with the return of Russians to their country, outside Ukraine.
And let me be clear: I’ve never stopped training. So IF there was to be a fight, I’d be ready on the spot.
“But this weekend I’m just going to see a fight with a talented Ukrainian. Go Usyk! Slava Ukraini.”
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