‘Ready on the spot’ – Wladimir Klitschko gives update on comeback after being linked with Tyson Fury rematch
Wladimir Klitschko isn’t currently pursuing a comeback but is open to any opportunities. Klitschko is one of the most legendary names to have graced the heavyweight division in the modern era, sharing the ring in epic battles with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and David Haye. Klitschko hasn’t fought since retiring after being beaten by Joshua in 2017Getty Recent reports indicated that the Ukrainian had his eye on a full comeback fight, and was in the running for a stunning IBF title fight with Daniel Dubois in 2025. But plans were shelved after Mike Tyson’s disastrous comeback defeat to Jake Paul, amid sanctioning fears given the former champion himself is now 48-years-old. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh also indicated he would be interested in staging a ‘dream’ rematch with bitter rival Fury, who famously beat him on points in 2015. And in a first statement since the news broke, the former champion has suggested he is open to offers if the right opportunity presents itself. “There are a lot of rumours these days about a possible comeback,” he wrote on X. “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 [Oleksandr Usyk]. Go Usyk! Slava Ukraini!” Klitschko posed with countryman Usyk in Riyadh, as the current heavyweight king is preparing for a rematch himself with Fury this Saturday in Riyadh. A fight with Dubois is off the cards for now, with ‘DDD’ set to make his latest defence against Joseph Parker on February 22. Klitschko isn’t fully focused on boxing, but will listen to offersGetty If the veteran was to make a comeback and win a world title, he would break George Foreman‘s record and become the oldest ever heavyweight world champion. Fans would of course likely have genuine intrigue in any comeback, particularly given the size of his profile. A rematch with Fury would also be a hot topic, despite the ‘Gypsy King’ playing down his rival’s return. The pair were set to meet in a sequel on multiple occasions after their rivalry was far from settled, but Fury withdrew twice as he struggled with health issues. Tom Loeffler, who founded promotional outfit K2 Promotions with Klitschko, still believes a sequel could happen if the right offer arose. “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,” he said. Klitschko never was able to secure a revenge attempt against FuryGetty “So, you never know, if that happens down the road it would be a tremendous fight. “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. “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.”
Wladimir Klitschko isn’t currently pursuing a comeback but is open to any opportunities.
Klitschko is one of the most legendary names to have graced the heavyweight division in the modern era, sharing the ring in epic battles with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and David Haye.
Recent reports indicated that the Ukrainian had his eye on a full comeback fight, and was in the running for a stunning IBF title fight with Daniel Dubois in 2025.
But plans were shelved after Mike Tyson’s disastrous comeback defeat to Jake Paul, amid sanctioning fears given the former champion himself is now 48-years-old.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh also indicated he would be interested in staging a ‘dream’ rematch with bitter rival Fury, who famously beat him on points in 2015.
And in a first statement since the news broke, the former champion has suggested he is open to offers if the right opportunity presents itself.
“There are a lot of rumours these days about a possible comeback,” he wrote on X.
“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 [Oleksandr Usyk]. Go Usyk! Slava Ukraini!”
Klitschko posed with countryman Usyk in Riyadh, as the current heavyweight king is preparing for a rematch himself with Fury this Saturday in Riyadh.
A fight with Dubois is off the cards for now, with ‘DDD’ set to make his latest defence against Joseph Parker on February 22.
If the veteran was to make a comeback and win a world title, he would break George Foreman‘s record and become the oldest ever heavyweight world champion.
Fans would of course likely have genuine intrigue in any comeback, particularly given the size of his profile.
A rematch with Fury would also be a hot topic, despite the ‘Gypsy King’ playing down his rival’s return.
The pair were set to meet in a sequel on multiple occasions after their rivalry was far from settled, but Fury withdrew twice as he struggled with health issues.
Tom Loeffler, who founded promotional outfit K2 Promotions with Klitschko, still believes a sequel could happen if the right offer arose.
“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,” he said.
“So, you never know, if that happens down the road it would be a tremendous fight.
“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.
“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.”
