Wladimir Klitschko looked ahead—toward the stage. Standing at the podium, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh was talking about him. “I want to see you one more time in the ring,” said the Riyadh Season head. HE Alalshikh’s dream of seeing the comeback of one of the greatest heavyweight champions of the modern era has sparked a wave of debates across the social media landscape. Speaking at the WBC conventions in Hamburg, Germany, HE Alalshikh outlined a tentative plan that may depend upon the outcomes of a few forthcoming clashes.

But what about the former unified heavyweight champion? Wladimir Klitschko appeared reluctant, keeping mum about his intentions to accept HE Turki Alalshikh’s invitation. Following the loss to Anthony Joshua in 2017, Klitschko decided to hang up the gloves for good. If the former world champion, who turned 48 in March, decides to accept the challenge and wins, then he might as well become the oldest heavyweight champion in the world, breaking legend George Foreman‘s record.

First, let’s check what the Riyadh Season head said. After expressing hopes for Klitschko’s return, HE Alalshikh added, “Trying to get a chance of having a world champion belt again. Let’s see the result of Tyson and Usyk, and I will see the result of Dubois, and I ask that the WBC, the IBF, WBA, and WBO give you a chance. to get this dream and make it this sport.”

‘Dr. Steelhammer’ observed with a gentle smile. For the time being, it’s difficult to gauge what is running in his mind. Nevertheless, a reporter tried to check, “Wladimir, are you excited to return to the ring? Are you excited to return to the ring?”

But the former heavyweight champion barely said a word and went about his business. Fans saw Wladimir Klitschko at the Kingdom Arena on May 18, when fellow countryman and reigning heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk took on Tyson Fury for the undisputed title. When it comes to boxing, Klitschko still commands immense respect.

But seven years is a long time as far as ring inactivity goes. Given the obvious comparison with George Foreman, one should remember the legend was on a decade-long break.

Will a comeback be so easy for ‘Dr. Steelhammer’?

After his second career loss to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman returned only in 1987. He was 38 at the time. Through losses to Evander Holyfield and Tommy Morrison, ‘Big’ George then finally achieved the unthinkable. On November 5, 1994, at 45 years and 299 days old, he knocked out Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion.

Even if Klitschko gives a go-ahead, will it be appropriate if he steps into the ring without a few tune-ups to remove the ring rust? As the saying goes, in boxing, power is the last thing to leave. So if one goes by the dictum, even at 48 years Klitschko should be able to deliver those bone-breaking shots that pulverized many an opponent before. Whether any of the current heavyweights—Daniel Dubois, Fury, Usyk, or even Anthony Joshua—will be willing to exchange blows with Dr. Steelhammer and risk a potential title contention?

What about you? Do you think Wladimir Klitschko should take the plunge and challenge for the world title?