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Tyson Fury “delighted” to accept Klitschko rematch

Fighters Network
02
Dec
Tyson Fury (R) out-reaching Wladimir Klitschko on his way to become the RING, IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion. Only one more belt remains: the WBC strap held by American Deontay Wilder. (Photo by Lars Baron - Getty Images)

Tyson Fury (R) out-reaching Wladimir Klitschko on his way to become the RING, IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion. Only one more belt remains: the WBC strap held by American Deontay Wilder. (Photo by Lars Baron – Getty Images)

New RING heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is delighted that Wladimir Klitschko intends to exercise his rematch option against him in 2016.

That was the message from the Englishman’s camp on Wednesday afternoon as his uncle and trainer, Peter Fury responded to the news that deposed IBF, WBO and WBA titleholder Klitschko (64-4, 53 knockouts) wants the chance to set the record straight following his comprehensive defeat to Fury (25-0, 18 KOs) last Saturday in Dusseldorf, Germany.

“We are over the moon. Tyson is very happy that Klitschko wants to take up the rematch option,” said the man who masterminded arguably the biggest heavyweight title upset of the last decade. “They are the two best heavyweights in the world – bar none. It’s great that they are going to clash again.

“I know Klitschko will be better prepared next time but I am not worried and nor is Tyson. I said after Saturday’s fight we only saw Tyson at 60 percent. So we look forward to him showing 100 percent for the rematch. Klitschko will bring a better game but Tyson will raise his game and that should make it an easier fight.”



Those comments came minutes after Klitschko, who in the immediate wake of his shock loss had sidestepped the rematch issue, released a video online in which he revealed he would be seeking revenge against the unbeaten 27-year-old British star.

“This is my pre Christmas gift to Tyson Fury and all boxing fans around the world. I will be making use of my contractual option for a rematch against Fury. So the fight of 2016 is in the making,” said the 39-year-old Ukrainian, now the magazine’s No. 1-ranked heavyweight.

“I was really frustrated directly after the fight, but after some short nights, I now know that I am much better than my performance on Saturday. I couldn’t show much full potential at any time. This is what I want to change in the rematch, and I will. Failure is not an option.”

Most suspect Fury-Klitschko II will again take place in the former holder’s adopted homeland of Germany. However, Peter Fury suggested the England football team’s Wembley Stadium, which has an 88,000 capacity and staged Froch-Groves II in May 2014, would be their first choice.

“We’re going to try and get it at Wembley next year. Mick Hennessy (Fury’s promoter) and me want to bring it to the UK,” he said on Sky Sports News HQ.

“We weren’t expecting an answer until January on the rematch so we are ecstatic to know the fight is on again. There will be no voluntary defense before then. It’s a straight rematch next because that’s what agreed to in the contract.”

Follow Harry Pratt on Twitter: @gharrypratt

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