Former heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko could be set for a return to the ring in 2025 after being named as a potential opponent for the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury.
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), was named the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Man of the Year on Monday afternoon and called for Klitschko’s return to the sport in his acceptance speech.
Alalshikh was awarded the individual accolade following a banner year for boxing – having been at the helm of numerous events that have brought global attention to the sport.
Alalshikh expressed his continued dedication to the sport when he received the prestigious honour during a ceremony at the WBC convention in Hamburg, Germany. However, fans were surprised to see him single Klitschko out.
In a direct appeal to the retired fighter, Alalshikh suggested that the 47-year-old Klitschko, who stepped away from boxing in 2017, should consider one more shot at a world championship title.
‘Let’s see what happens with Tyson and Usyk, with Dubois and Parker, and I ask the WBC, IBF, WBA, and WBO to give you a chance to chase that dream again,’ he said to the Ukrainian.
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), was named the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Man of the Year on Monday afternoon
During his award acceptance in Hamburg, Alalshikh also made waves by calling for a potential return to the ring from former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko
Klitschko was interested in challenging British star Daniel Dubois (above) for his IBF title
The younger brother of Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko had thrown his hat into the prize-ring as the potential opponent for Daniel Dubois in a defence of the IBF belt in Saudi Arabia on February 22.
However, negotiations for the fight were abandoned in the wake of a widely derided performance by Mike Tyson in his comeback against YouTube phenomenon Jake Paul.
Klitschko, at 48, is exactly a decade younger than the one-time Baddest Man On The Planet and has been out of action for a little under eight years in contrast to Iron Mike’s 19-year hiatus from boxing.
Klitschko is being renowned for keeping in prime physical condition – in the gym, on the golf course, in the sea, on the ski-slopes and above all in readiness for military action in Ukraine’s war against Russia – however it seems unlikely he will return.
Alalshikh’s leadership of the GEA has been pivotal in bringing major boxing events to Saudi Arabia. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has hosted high-profile fight cards, particularly through the Riyadh Season initiative.
The next highlight will be the rematch between heavyweight champions Usyk and Fury, which is set to take place on December 21 at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena.
The WBC Man of the Year award is one of boxing’s most prestigious honour, and it is typically reserved for figures who have made a significant impact on the sport.
In past years, the accolade has been given to a range of individuals, from boxing luminaries to figures from outside the sport, including former South African President Nelson Mandela, US President Ronald Reagan, and Pope Francis.
The fight is no longer being considered by Queensberry in the wake of Mike Tyson making a comeback at the age of 58 and losing to YouTuber Jake Paul earlier this month
The next highlight will be the rematch between heavyweight champions Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, which is set to take place on December 21 at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena
Referring to the award after the ceremony, Alalshikh took to Instagram to say: ‘I would like to thank the World Boxing Council (WBC) for awarding me the Boxing Man of the Year.’
He went on to add: ‘We will continue supporting the sport of boxing, striving to elevate it to its golden era by delivering the strongest and most exciting fights to the fans.’
Alalshikh dedicated the award to the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, claiming nothing would have been possible without him.
‘I dedicate this award to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose unwavering support has placed Saudi Arabia among the leading nations of the world and enabled us to deliver world-class events with the highest standards.’