Boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has learned to love MMA

The debate between boxing fans and MMA fans in relation to whose sport is superior may wage on for years to come, but at least one man known for his PhD in the sweet science has decided to express his appreciation for those who take to the cage and throw down – Wladimir Klitschko.

The 56-3 Klitschko, who currently holds five heavyweight championships and hasn’t lost in seven years, recently came forward to talk about Mixed Martial Arts in a positive light even if his opinion may not be popular amongst his supporters in the boxing community. While the 35-year old has no designs on ever attempting to leave boxing for MMA he has contemplated incorporating some related techniques into his training and generally appreciates the level of skill involved at the highest levels.

“To be honest I didn’t really like it before,” Klitschko began in an interview on the Jim Rome Show. “But when I was watching it, I got into the style of MMA and I think I have a lot of respect for MMA fighters. It’s a very tough sport. I don’t think I’m ready to practice it and fight in the cage, I think I’m too old for it, but I have a lot of respect.”

“You have to be so multi-functional, you have to be a wrestler, you have to be a good kickboxer, you have to be a good boxer, you have to be with good condition,” he continued.

As far as testing his own abilities in MMA, Klitschko waived off the suggestion but revealed he is definitely interested in exploring some of the aspects where his own preparation is concerned.

“I want to try the fitness. Just get in an MMA gym and just practice certain things,” Klitschko concluded. “ I used to wrestle, and I did judo when I was younger. As training, as fitness, perfect. Fighting, no.”

Klitschko’s next fight takes place on March 3 against 36-4 Frenchman Jean-Marc Mormeck. The two were originally supposed to face off in December but Klitschko had to withdraw from the bout after having a kidney stone removed.