Coming into this contest, Klitschko competed in 28 world title fights and is the second longest reigning world champion in history, according to Boxing Scene. The 41-year-old fighter has been out of the ring since losing a twelve round decision to Tyson Fury in November 2015.
There was a rematch clause exercised by Klitschko, but Fury withdrew from two scheduled dates and eventually vacated his WBA, WBO, IBO world titles to focus on his mental health issues. The vacant WBO title was acquired last December by New Zealand’s Joseph Parker with a twelve round decision over Andy Ruiz.
