Joshua vs Klitschko: Wladimir Klitschko could fight until age of 50, says manager Bernd Boente
Tuesday 18 April 2017 10:08, UK
Wladimir Klitschko has no thoughts of retirement ahead of his Wembley showdown with Anthony Joshua and could extend his career past the age of 50, says manager Bernd Boente.
The 41-year-old is hoping to start a third reign as a world heavyweight champion when he challenges IBF champion Joshua, with the vacant WBA 'super' title also at stake on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Klitschko, who previously dominated the top division for over 10 years, has not discussed the prospect of retirement and long-term manager Boente believes he might even emulate American ring legend Bernard Hopkins, who finally quit the sport last year at the age of 51.
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"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 exclusively 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.
"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."
Klitschko is preparing to face a fearsome opponent in Joshua, who has knocked out all 18 of his opponents, but insists he is physically and mentally stronger than ever.
"I don't feel my age and it's not just empty words," Klitschko said. "Even at 41, I'm still improving in the sport that I have been in for so long.
"That is actually what is interesting and exciting to me, because there are things that I'm working on, maybe the same drills that I have been doing, but each time I'm doing it better.
"That makes me feel good and I'm just asking why I didn't have those things and knowledge 20 years ago? I would have gone much further."
