Tyson Fury will make the first defense of his RING, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles when he faces the man he dethroned, Wladimir Klitschko, on July 9 in Manchester, England.

The stunning news was broken by Fury’s uncle and trainer-manager, Peter Fury, via his official Twitter account, “9^th July @Tyson Fury vs. Klitschko is coming to Manchester UK. Official announcement coming 12 noon.”

At time of writing no venue has been revealed but Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium, as well as the Manchester Arena, are the obvious possibilities.

Fury, a big underdog, defeated Klitschko by wide unanimous decision in Dusseldorf, Germany, last November. The bout was predominantly one-sided with the Englishman’s jab, movement and subtle feints befuddling Klitschko throughout an unexciting tactical affair.

The result, however, was sensational and sent shockwaves through the sport.

Klitschko quickly elected to exercise a rematch clause and the sequel many thought was destined for German soil will be hosted in Fury’s home city.

More to follow

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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