Wladimir Klitschko for a surprise boxing comeback? 'He's in terrible shape...'

Wladimir Klitschko is considering a shock comeback to try and win another world title at the age of 48.

Klitschko has not boxed since his 2017 loss to Anthony Joshua. But speculation has run rampant that the Ukrainian, the reigning world heavyweight champion of his time, could be tempted out of his position in pursuit of a record title win.

Tom Loeffler, who founded K2 Promotions with the Klitschko brothers, appeared Sky Sports: “I know at one point it was a dream to break George Foreman's record and become the oldest heavyweight champion.

But he added: “I don't want to speak for Wladimir, I'll let him say everything related to that.

There are four major world titles. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight for three of them, the WBC, WBO and WBA belts, in their rematch on December 21, live on Sky Sports box office.

Daniel Dubois holds the fourth and final belt, the IBF heavyweight title.

“He wouldn't fight Usyk because that's his countryman, but now with the likes of Daniel Dubois, and depending on what happens, we might see him come out of retirement,” said Loeffler.

“But we'll let him make any announcement. Much depends on what happens on December 21.

“There is no better ambassador for boxing than Wladimir and his brother Vitali. If we see Wladimir back in the ring, I think a lot of fans would be very happy to see him again.”

After losing his unified world titles to Fury in 2015, Klitschko expected to box again only to see that fall through. Loeffler wonders if, all these years later, that second fight could still happen.

“There was a rematch clause there with Tyson Fury, but after he won that fight Tyson went off the rails, so Wladimir never got the rematch he was supposed to get with contract So, you never know, if that happens down the road it would be an awesome fight,” he said.

“But we will see, everyone is focused on December 21 and then it will depend on what Wladimir decides to do. He is in a situation in Ukraine that can change from day to day I'm just glad they're fighting as hard as they are.

Dubois himself would welcome an IBF world title fight with Klitschko. “This is the moment where anything can happen in boxing,” said Dubois Sky Sports.

“I think there had been some discussion about that before but obviously he didn't like it. 'Do I want Daniel on my case? This young lion is hunting me, nah'.

“Guys like that can come out of retirement. Look Mike Tyson had an exhibition fight the other day. It's all to play. It's good.

“If all the terms are right then, yes, let's fight.”

Loeffler noted: “Every time I see Wladimir, he's in great 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 we'll see.

“I would certainly cheer for him if he made boxing history with that kind of emotional story.