Wladimir Klitschko retired in 2017 after having one of the most impressive reigns as a heavyweight world champion, but the Ukrainian superstar has now been called out for a clash with a fellow Hall of Famer.

No fighter in boxing history has spent longer as a heavyweight world champion than Klitschko, who reigned as a champion for a combined 12 years across his two reigns as champion, until Tyson Fury brought his era to a close in 2015.

Klitschko returned to challenge Anthony Joshua for the unified heavyweight world titles two years later, but ‘AJ’ got the better of the veteran in an instant classic which looked set to be Klitschko’s final pro bout.

This year, talk of a comeback has emerged, where ‘Dr. Steelhammer’ could potentially break George Foreman’s legendary record as the oldest heavyweight world champion (47), if able to dethrone one of the four newly-crowned titleholders; Daniel Dubois, Filip Hrgovic, Murat Gassiev and Agit Kabayel. 

Now, in an interview with ES News, fellow Hall of Famer James Toney shared his interest in a showdown with Klitschko, either in the boxing ring or in a bare-knuckle fight.

“I would be world champion [in bare-knuckle], when I fight, I fight to win. 

“Make it happen [me vs. Klitschko in bare-knuckle]. I would knock his a** out, like I would have done in the boxing ring.”

“I don’t care [bare knuckle or boxing], whatever he wants to do.”

Toney – who has also not fought professionally since 2017 – continuously called for a shot at the Klitschko brothers during his time in the ring, once stating that they have ‘no talent and no heart’ after the pair avoided a fight with him.