Klychko's return to boxing: ESPN shares bold prediction for 2025

ESPN, a reputable American sports channel, believes that legendary Ukrainian Volodymyr Klychko (64-5, 35 KOs) will return to boxing to break George Foreman's record. The latter won the WBA and IBF titles in 1994 at the age of 45, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history. ESPN is confident that Klychko's age (48) will not be an obstacle to the resumption of his career.

Turki Alalshikh, the head of the Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, has floated the idea of a return for the legendary boxer, and Klychko himself seems to be okay with it. Last month, he told Fight Hub TV that there is an "ambition to break the record" of the world's oldest heavyweight champion, adding that he has never stopped training.

"Indeed, Klitschko, a former heavyweight champion, appears to be in incredible shape, and if anyone could do it, it's probably him. He didn't take much damage during his career and has the jab-and-move style that could age gracefully," the article says.

At the same time, the authors agree that the task remains "a Herculean task" - just as it was when Foreman won the title at 45 by knocking out Michael Moore, one of the most shocking moments in sports history.

"Klitschko has taken care of his body and his 48 is probably a lot fresher than Foreman's 45. Klitschko was adamant he wouldn't consider a fight with his countryman Usyk -- who could blame him? -- and a fight with the winner of Daniel Dubois-Joseph Parker would give him a much better chance to do the impossible," the ESPN's observer Mike Coppinger says.

After retiring in 2015, he returned only once - in 2017, when he lost to Anthony Joshua in an epic fight at Wembley Stadium.

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