When Wladimir Klitschko fights Anthony Joshua for two world heavyweight titles in April, it will end an 18-month wait to restore his boxing reputation.
Klitschko’s career has been on hold since losing his IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO belts in a surprising defeat to Tyson Fury in November 2015. Two attempts at a rematch failed because of Fury’s personal problems, leaving the 40-year-old Klitschko in limbo after nearly a decade ruling the heavyweight division.
“I was not sitting back, doing nothing and drinking beer in the past year. I was training, preparing for the fight that never happened,” Klitschko said. “I think this gave me, in a certain way after 26 years being active in the sport, a break I probably needed.”
Refreshed and with his motivation “as high as the sky,” Klitschko has been given a tough assignment on his return to the ring.
The British boxer has won all 18 of his fights since turning professional after winning the gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012. His most recent win was a third-round stoppage of Eric Molina in Manchester last Saturday, after which, the fight against Klitschko was finalized.
Klitschko said it is a “50-50” fight.
“Our size, strength — age is just a number. We have a competitive fight with two fighters with the same qualities,” said Klitschko, who will be 41 when he fights Joshua. “It’s special and I don’t know the next time a fight like this can happen.”
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