It turns out Wladimir Klitschko’s May 25 comeback date at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev was nothing more than an April Fool’s Day joke.
Ukrainian media outlet Sports Arena took advantage of speculation regarding the former heavyweight king’s return to score a successful hoax
They reported Klitschko had finally agreed a three-fight deal with DAZN worth upwards of 60 million dollars.
As brother Vitali is the Mayor of Kiev, the potential to stage was and still is completely fathomable.
Explaining their story, Sport Arena stated: “The Ukrainian sports world was struck by the news about Wladimir Klitschko’s return to the ring.
“The Ukrainian world champion allegedly had to fight at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv on May 25.
“Perhaps, Wladimir will return to the ring. He is only thinking about that (right now). But the date and venue of the fight is just a joke from Sport Arena,” they said.
Klitschko is expected to make a decision on accepting DAZN’s offer soon. If rubberstamped, he will then be embarking on an American surge with a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua lined up.
A third fight was touted to be against Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder. Both of which are firmly dependent on Klitschko’s performance level. Also an agreement with ESPN or Showtime respectively.
Further possibilities included Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker. A battle with friend, compatriot and sparring partner Oleksandr Usyk is said to be off the menu, though.
‘Dr. Steelhammer’ had bowed out of the sport following defeat to Joshua in 2017.
The pair enjoyed one of the fights of the year at Wembley Stadium, In which, Klitschko almost stopped the Briton in the sixth round.
Joshua recovered and eventually halted Klitschko in the eleventh round.
HANDFUL
Recently turning 43, Klitschko always keeps himself in shape. He will be a handful for the vast majority of top heavyweights once completing a full camp.
Whether he can still compete with the likes of Joshua, Fury or Wilder remains to be seen.
It may be a case of blowing off the cobwebs for the three-time world champion as he bids to get back in the mix at the top level.
Success stories on the back of retirements are few and far between in the boxing community.
