Back in November, Tyson Fury did the unthinkable and beat world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko to dethrone the Ukrainian after a nine-year stint at the top of the sport. On that night, Fury was granted victory on a unanimous points decision and immediately granted Klitschko the opportunity to challenge for a rematch – which he duly accepted.
According to reports, the rematch could take place in Austria and is currently pencilled in for June 4th. The original fight took place in Dusseldorf’s Espirit Arena but the second bout won’t be held at that particular venue. Either way, many people are expecting the same result – a Tyson Fury victory, and they’re certainly well within their rights to assume the 27-year-old will successfully defend his title against the ageing Ukrainian.
As of March 13th, Fury is priced at 10/11 with Betway to beat Klitschko for the second time – and it’s hard to imagine the British fighter coming up short. Fury is in the prime of his career whilst Klitschko is in his twilight years. Yes, he was world heavyweight champion for nine years but we’re heading into a new era of boxing now and Klitschko will be left behind. For the romantics out there, a Klitschko victory would be the best result but all the smart betting money would be on a Tyson Fury win.
Fury has had his fair share of criticism throughout the past four or five months but he’s handled almost everything thrown at him in a professional manner. If nothing else, Fury’s resilience shows just how tough, both mentally and physically, he is. If truth be told, it would be hard to back against the British fighter should the fight go ahead. Fury is a born winner and that winning philosophy will stand him in good stead to dominate the heavyweight scene for years to come.
In fact, he could well face Anthony Joshua within the next 12-18 months, especially if he manages to dispatch Klitschko with relative ease. Say if Fury beats Klitschko on a points decision, an outcome that is 3/1 with Betway, he might set his eyes on Joshua – arguably the best upcoming boxer in Britain right now. Fury wouldn’t be afraid to take Joshua on and the young Olympics star, who is set to fight Charles Martin in April, would relish the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage of all.
But for now, boxing fans can focus on the upcoming Fury-Klitschko rematch. It might not be the most enthralling of encounters but it is set to be a great tactical battle between two of the very best in the business. Can Klitschko win or will Fury hold his own? It’s almost too close to call… at least, until judgement night on June 4th.
[…] a proposed rematch with Fury fell through, Klitschko’s career has been at a standstill. During that time, […]