Wladimir Klitschko was tempted to call out Tyson Fury for one "last dance" at 46 years of age in a bid to break George Foreman's record as the oldest heavyweight champion.
Klitschko has not fought since being defeated in an epic battle against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium five years ago, opting to hang up his gloves shortly afterwards. The former unified champion has taken up arms alongside his brother Vitali in their native Ukraine to fight against Russian invasion.
The 46-year-old has admitted his mind has been elsewhere since he signed up to help defend his homeland. He told Piers Morgan on TalkTV: “I was thinking I should tweet Tyson Fury - ‘Last dance?’ Since he wants to retire and we were supposed to have this rematch. I didn’t do it because my mind was now in a totally different world."
Klitschko signed up for the Ukrainian reserve army in February alongside fellow fighters Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko. Despite being involved in a much bigger fight on home soil, Klitschko had always planned to make a remarkable comeback to the sport at the age of 46.
He is eyeing Foreman's record with the American legend having returned to the ring after a 10-year hiatus. He later knocked out Michael Moorer to become the sport's oldest ever heavyweight champion at the age of 45.
Klitschko would be looking to avenge his defeat by Fury, which was the penultimate of his career having lost the unified titles to his rival after a tremendous boxing display from the 'Gypsy King'. Fury holds the WBC heavyweight title but could vacate after confirming his plans to retire after beating Dillian Whyte.
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Despite suggestions Fury could return for a shot at the undisputed title if Anthony Joshua beats Oleksandr Usyk, Fury has remained firm on his retirement and believes he is now "done" in the sport after winning all of the belts at separate points in his career.
"This is the truth, the gospel truth, nothing but the truth. I'm done," Fury said. "There will always be somebody else to fight. When is enough enough? I'm happy, I'm healthy. I've got a beautiful wife and six kids. Boxing’s a very dangerous sport. You can be hit out with one punch. It only takes one unlucky blow. I’m very happy.
"I’m very contented in my heart with what I have done and what I have achieved. Boxing is a very dangerous sport you can be taken out with one punch as we saw on Saturday night. It only takes one unlucky blow and you may not get up. I'm quitting whilst I'm ahead, only the second man in history to retire as undefeated heavyweight champion."
