Wladimir Klitschko has reportedly had his plans to make a shock boxing comeback shattered.
The legendary former long-reigning heavyweight world champion retired from the sport in 2017, following defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
However, he has always kept the door open for a potential return.
Klitschko has on numerous occasions teased the prospect of a comeback for one reason only – to break George Foreman‘s record as the oldest world champion in boxing.
Foreman famously stunned the sporting world when he returned in his 40s and KO’d Michael Moorer to win back the title he previously held in the 1970s.
He was 46 when he eventually relinquished the crown.
Klitschko, now 48, would have the possibility to break this stunning record if he could return and claim a belt.
And, according to the Mail, this is exactly what he has recently been attempting to do.
It’s reported that Klitschko threw his hat into the ring to challenge Daniel Dubois for his IBF strap after Anthony Joshua opted out of an immediate rematch.
Negotiations subsequently began for the shock fight.
However, it’s claimed that following Mike Tyson‘s understandably lame effort in defeat to Jake Paul this month, the plan has been abandoned by the Saudi organisers and British promoters.
Instead, Dubois’ next fight, which is planned to headline a February 22 Riyadh Season Card in Saudi Arabia, is now more likely to come against Joseph Parker.
Tyson returned to the ring at age 58 to take on Paul on November 58.
Despite many around the world hoping he would roll back the years to produce a vintage knockout, what ensued was a sad showing.
The veteran, of course, could not compete at his advanced age.
Paul, mercifully, took it easy on him after round three and did not push for a knockout.
The bout ended in a unanimous decision win for the youngster, with many fans furious by the product.
It’s reported that this is exactly the outcome those involved in planning Dubois’ next fight want to avoid.
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