Wladimir Klitschko has no plans to bow out of boxing ahead of his highly-anticipated heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua at Wembley, according to his manager, Bernd Boente.
The 41-year-old is aiming to become a three-time world champion against IBF champion Joshua in what will be his 69th professional bout.
Klitschko suffered his first defeat in 10 years at the hands of Tyson Fury in 2015 leading many to question if his time inside the squared circle was coming to an end.
However, long-term manager Boente believes his client still has plenty left in the tank, citing the career of American legend Bernard Hopkins, who retired at the age of 51 last year.
“If you’re 41 years old, you can’t expect that someone is fighting another 10 years, but he always said that Bernard Hopkins is one of his idols – and you know how long Bernard fought,” Boente told Sky Sports.
“I don’t know if Wladimir will still fight at 50, but one thing is for sure, he’s not looking at this fight as his last fight.
“For the last five or six years, Wladimir has never discussed how long he fights. It’s fight by fight and then he makes a decision.
“At this moment I can tell you he’s in fantastic shape and he’s physically and psychologically on a top level. He’s absolutely looking forward to this fight.”
“I don’t feel my age and it’s not just empty words,’ Klitschko said ahead of the meeting with undefeated Joshua. “Even at 41, I’m still improving in the sport that I have been in for so long Bernard fought,” Boente told Sky Sports.
“I don’t know if Wladimir will still fight at 50, but one thing is for sure, he’s not looking at this fight as his last fight.
“For the last five or six years, Wladimir has never discussed how long he fights. It’s fight by fight and then he makes a decision.
“At this moment I can tell you he’s in fantastic shape and he’s physically and psychologically on a top level. He’s absolutely looking forward to this fight.”
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
