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Wladimir admits affection for MMA

Wladimir Klitschko is one of boxing's biggest stars © Getty Images

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Wladimir Klitschko has revealed he is fascinated by MMA and, while he says he does not want to fight in the UFC, the WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight king says he will 'try' the sport.

Klitschko, 35, is currently dominating boxing's heavyweight division alongside his older brother, Vitali, with the younger sibling winning 56 of his 59 professional fights.

Boxing traditionalists may view MMA as the enemy, or at least a major rival, but one of its stars Klitschko says he has warmed so much to the sport he now calls himself a fan.

"I wasn't such in Russia when I watched it live the first time, and to be honest I didn't really like it before," he told 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.

Klitschko, whose next fight is against Jean-Marc Mormeck in Germany on March 3, appreciates the skills needed to master MMA and admits he is keen to give it a go - albeit just for fun.

"Because you have to have a lot of abilities," he added. "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. We can go forever what they have to be to keep winning for a long time and be a champion, consistent champions, it's very difficult.

"I don't want to fight, but I want to try. I want to try the fitness. Just get in an MMA gym and just practice certain things. I used to wrestle, and I did judo when I was younger. As training, as fitness, perfect. Fighting, no."

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