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Klitschko ready for return

24/01/2007

Former world heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko is planning a return to the ring 15 months after announcing his retirement due to a persistent knee injury.

The Ukrainian says he is ready for a comeback as his knee is now healed completely allowing him to box at a similar level to his prime.

Klitschko held the WBC title when he announced his retirement and is looking to secure a title shot in his comeback bout against current holder Oleg Maskaev.

He said he had submitted a request to the Russian Federation about the potential fight and expected a decision to be reached in the coming week.

Speaking about his return the 35-year-old said: "I have refilled my energy reserves and am in great shape and ready to return to the ring."

Klitschko's last fight was against Britain's Danny Williams in Las Vegas which the Ukrainian comprehensively won and he is determined to reclaim the title he was forced to relinquish.

Vitali's brother Wladimir currently holds the IBF and IBO versions of the world title and the returning Klitschko says it is his dream to be world champion at the same time as his brother.

Klitschko had a famous bout with Lennox Lewis in 2003 just before the Briton retired and the Ukrainian said: "I am ready to show a world class performance again."

Maskaev has lost five times in his career but is undefeated since 2003 and has successfully defended his title twice in the last year.

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