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Former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has been the subject of speculation for a while now, as there have been rumors about the 42-year-old Ukrainian star returning to boxing.
But Klitschko is indicating that won’t be happening:
I’m all about challenges in life and I do really feel that I “still got it” . Recently many of you contacted me willing to see me making a comeback to the ring this April and I’m thankful to y’all for that. However, I need to call such speculation an early April fool’s day joke
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) January 15, 2019
Klitschko last fought in April 2017, losing to Anthony Joshua in the Fight of the Year at Wembley Stadium when Joshua stopped him in the 11th round. It was the second straight loss for Klitschko, who had dominated the division for several years and at one point looked essentially unbeatable, before the rise of new stars in the division.
If he indeed never does fight again, Klitschko’s career record will stand at 64-5 (53 KO), and he’ll likely be a first ballot Hall of Famer when his name hits the sheet.
It’s probably better Wladimir doesn’t come back. There’s nothing for him to prove, nothing he can gain, and the reality is that he’s just not going to beat the top fighters anymore. We’ve already seen him in with Fury and Joshua, and he lost to both, and now he’s just older and rustier.