Wladimir Klitschko says he 'hopes Oleksandr Usyk is going to keep me in retirement' by beating Tyson Fury

The highly-anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is fast approaching, and former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has given his thoughts on the big fight. Klitschko praised his fellow Ukrainian as "a true champion" who has already "cemented his legacy." He also said he "hopes Usyk is going to keep me in retirement" by beating Fury, adding he is "always ready" to return.

Wladimir Klitschko insists he is "always ready" for a return to the ring, but hopes compatriot Oleksandr Usyk keeps him retired by beating Tyson Fury again.

Usyk and Fury clash for a second time, live on TNT Sports Box Office on Saturday, December 21. The generational greats run it back after a classic earlier this year as the Ukrainian earned undisputed status, delivering the first defeat of Fury's pro career via split-decision.

It meant Usyk was a four-belt king in two divisions, having already claimed cruiserweight glory in 2018.

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"He got from cruiserweight to heavyweight, and no-one believed he was going to make it. He did it multiple times," Klitschko said.

"It doesn't matter how tall, how heavy, how lean, how short, technique, left- and right-hand guys. He has managed all of them, in a very smart way.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

"He has cemented his legacy with the first fight because he became the first undisputed champion in the past quarter of a century, then as a strategist, he dropped one of the belts.

"That meaning his legacy is cemented, because even if - I don't think it's going to happen, but if - Tyson Fury's going to make it, he's not going to be undisputed.

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"Who knows how many decades [it will take] to get another undisputed champion in the heavyweight division. Oleksandr is, inside and outside of the ring, a true champion and example."

Klitschko retired in 2017 after a decorated career in which he rose to become world heavyweight champion and held the longest cumulative title reign of all time.

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"Boxing taught me a lot. Boxing made me a fighter - a fighter for my country, in the ring, for my family, for my city," said the Ukrainian.

"A fighter, period. As a fighter, you're always ready. When the right time is coming, you're always ready.

"2025 is going to be an exciting year. I hope Oleksandr Usyk is going to keep me in retirement - [by] beating Tyson Fury once again."  

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Video credit: TNT Sports

How to watch Usyk v Fury 2?

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Watch FULL Usyk and Fury staredown for over 11 MINUTES

Video credit: TNT Sports

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