📸 Lawrence Lustig

Wladimir Klitschko will return to the ring following a two-year absence on May 25 at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, it has been reported.

News media is his native Ukraine has released information stating the former heavyweight king has finally agreed a deal with DAZN for a comeback.

As WBN explained some time ago, the contract contains three fights. Klitschko firstly fights at home in the city.

Brother Vitali is the Mayor of Kiev and will welcome his brother. Klitschko will then be embarking on an American surge with a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua lined up.

A third fight was touted to be against Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder. Both of which are firmly dependent on Klitschko’s performance level and an agreement with ESPN or Showtime respectively.

Further possibilities included Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker. A battle with friend, compatriot and sparring partner Oleksandr Usyk is said to be off the menu, though.

Klitschko’s outing marks a stunning u-turn. ‘Dr. Steelhammer’ had bowed out following defeat to Joshua in 2017.

The pair enjoyed one of the fights of the year at Wembley Stadium, In which, Klitschko almost stopped the Briton in the sixth round.

Joshua recovered and eventually halted Klitschko in the eleventh round.

Recently turning 43, Klitschko always keeps himself in shape. He will be a handful for the vast majority of top heavyweights.

Whether he can still compete with the likes of Joshua, Fury or Wilder remains to be seen.

A list of immediate foes for next month is unlikely to have any current top division contenders on there. It’s been too far of a gap for Klitschko to consider too dangerous an opponent.

It may be a case of blowing off the cobwebs for the three-time world champion as he bids to get back in the mix at the top level.

Success stories on the back of retirements are few and far between in the boxing community. But it will be interesting none-the-less to see a legend make one final bid for glory.

KEY POINTS

Touted return for May 25

Three-fight deal with DAZN

Possible fights with Joshua, Fury and Wilder