These days, the word “retirement” means about as much in boxing as Jake Paul’s WBC belt. Seriously, just ask Nigel Benn or Bernard Hopkins. Ignoring the old guys, there are quite a few popular fighters with a lot of unfinished business to take care of. Here are our top five potential boxing comebacks we’re most hyped about:
5. Marcos Maidana
Who ate Marcos Maidana? While we’re thrilled to see the famed Argentinian pressure fighter back in the ring, the 36-year-old looks like he’s gained all the fat that Andy Ruiz recently lost. In fact, the former super lightweight champ has ballooned all the way up to cruiserweight, where he’ll be fighting former kickboxer Jorge Cali in April 2020. “El Chino” hasn’t fought since his pair of 2014 losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
4. James Kirkland
“The Mandingo Warrior” James Kirkland ended a four-year layoff this fall, beating a pair of journeymen Colby Courter and Jas Phillips. The former super welterweight contender has seen his once glimmering future erased by a two-year stint in prison back in 2009 and his recently-ended hiatus spearheaded by a thumping by Canelo Alvarez.
The Texan southpaw is only 35-years-old and has reunited with former trainer Ann Wolfe. While she hasn’t been heard much other than her supporting role as Artemis in “Wonder Woman,” the former boxing champ turned trainer was in Kirkland’s corner during his heyday and her Spartan workout regiment has the KO artist in tip-top shape.
3. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Like Kirkland, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is coming back after a disappointing L to Canelo. A few months ago, the Mexican returned by KOing Columbian journeyman Evert Bravo and he’s fighting top-flight middleweight Daniel Jacobs next in December. At 33, Chavez Jr. needs some big resume stuffers if he wants to step out of his father’s shadow. Not to be topped, Chavez Sr. is preparing for his own comeback… well, sort of.
2. Roman Gonzalez
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Roman Gonzalez, best known as “Chocolatito,” was once the world’s P4P king. After two straight losses to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, he ghosted his fans. Still, just 32, the Nicaraguan fought on the GGG-Canelo 2 card last year by molly whopping Mexican Moises Fuentes, but otherwise, it’s been radio silence for the future Hall of Famer.
1. Wladimir Klitschko
Wladimir Klitschko’s return is boxing’s version of a Frank Ocean album. The former heavyweight king has teased us with a comeback all year but nothing has officially materialized. According to Business Insider, the Ukranian legend wants to break George Foreman’s record as the oldest heavyweight champ at 45. In order for that to happen, the 43-year-old would need to wait two more years. So for now, he’s killing time by verbally sparring with his ex Hayden Panettiere’s new beau Brian Hickerson.
