Share

Klitschko eyes Louis's record

Berlin - Wladimir Klitschko says he plans to box on for another decade in his bid to break Joe Louis's record as the longest reigning world heavyweight champion.

The 38-year-old Klitschko, who has been world champion since 2006, defends his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts in Oberhausen, Germany, on Saturday against Australian challenger Alex Leapai.

Leapai, 34, has a 30-4-3 career record since turning professional in 2004, while Klitschko is 61-3 with 51 knock-outs and his last defeat is now a decade ago.

Klitschko has said he has no plans to retire and wants to break US boxing legend Louis's record of 12 years as a world heavyweight champion, having been unbeaten between 1937 and 1949, with the Ukrainian needing to fight on for four more years time until 2018, when he will be 42.

"I just turned 38, but that's only a number," Klitschko told German daily Die Welt on Sunday.

"I am still extremely hungry and better than ever. A few years ago, I thought I couldn't improve, but my mission is still a long way from over. I want to box on for ten more years.

"I feel the combination of experience, athletic-ability, technique and strategy makes me the complete professional."

Ukraine-born Klitschko admits it is challenging to prepare for his 65th professional fight with his brother Vitali in the thick of their country's volatile political situation in Kiev.

"It's a bizarre situation," said Wladimir.

"My body has been training at the camp in Austria, but my mind is often with my brother and our compatriots in Ukraine."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE