Five entertaining moments in build-up to Fury’s heavyweight title rematch with Klitschko
Published:
Lee Gormley | May 19, 2016
Fury ups the ante ahead of Klitschko rematch
After successfully dethroning long-standing heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko last November, Britain’s Tyson Fury will next defend his WBA Super, WBO and IBO titles against the previously dominant Ukrainian in their highly-awaited rematch on July 9th.
The Manchester-born champion was involved in plenty of entertaining and controversial moments in the lead up to the pair’s initial meeting in Germany last year, and the undefeated 27-year-old has recently began upping the ante for the upcoming second match-up on home soil.
Ahead of the rematch at the Manchester Arena, here are five further entertaining moments to have occurred in the build-up from both Fury, who is 7/4 with Coral for another points victory, and former champ Klitschko…
Klitschko swears at press conference
Known for being a cool and composed man both in and out of the ring, Klitschko shocked those in attendance at an early press conference during the promotional build-up to this anticipated rematch, as the former champion told his opponent simply to “f*** off”.
The now 40-year-old is still rankled at the fact Fury is occupying his throne as heavyweight champion, and showed some anger towards the Briton ahead of his attempts to reclaim his previously held titles.
Fury bears belly to media
In the build-up to a bout, fans are used to seeing fighters in the shape of their lives, but Fury caused quite a stir during another recent press conference when he gave the audience more than they bargained for.
With his rematch edging ever closer, the champion took off his shirt to reveal a less than promising physique, grabbing hold of his own gut and declaring Klitschko “lost to a fat bloke”. Relive that moment above, if you dare!
Retirement announcement from champion
Tyson Fury: “I will retire after Klitschko fight win or lose. I can’t be f***ed with this anymore.” pic.twitter.com/QXPqgwtUrE
— Coral (@Coral) May 2, 2016
Despite seemingly being his prime fighting years, Fury shocked the boxing world by declaring he would be retiring from the sport no matter what the outcome of his second showdown with ‘Dr Steelhammer’ was.
But his trainer Peter Fury denied any such comments by claiming his fighter would not be hanging up his gloves just yet, as he stated: “Absolutely not. I think he’s going to be around for the next decade and he’s got to cement his legacy. I believe he will. He’s a fighting man down to his boots.”
Fury reveals sparring beatdown
Usually full of confidence and typically dishing out plenty of verbal abuse aimed at his opponents, Fury took a different approach in the build-up to his latest bout, declaring to the world that he had suffered several knockdowns and a black eye when sparring with an unknown light-heavyweight.
Although, after his remarks led to many quickly overlooking him for the upcoming rematch, Fury then swiftly took to social media to admit he lied, stating: “Ok guys I’ve been fooling you all. There was no knockdowns in the gym, as if it’s possible for me to get chinned off a [light heavyweight]!
“I’ve lost over 10kg, feeling great and never been so on [course] for a fight with two months left to go. Stripping the weight nicely, but keeping the muscle, all going good. I play mind games.”
Coach fall-out for heavyweight champion
#gypsyking #tysonfury fooled u all, lol feeling like a boss, wait a minuet I am the boss! Lol on… https://t.co/3xWJFCZMA4
— Gypsy King (@Tyson_Fury) May 18, 2016
Fury’s preparations looked to be in jeopardy recently when the Mancunian claimed that he was on the lookout for a new trainer after falling out with current coach and uncle Peter, with the latter having told him to sort his head out during training.
“Me and Peter have had a bit of a fall-out over the sparring,” he stated. “He said to me, ‘If you’re getting knocked over by light-heavyweights, what’s Klitschko going to do?’. He’s left for a couple of days but I am not sure if he’s coming back if I’m honest.”
After making such remarks live on Sky Sports News, Fury later revealed that he had once again been playing mind games and has never had any problems with his relative and mentor.
The mind games will cease on July 9th as Fury will collide with a scorn Klitschko in Manchester, and the Briton is 11/4 to face a maiden career loss by knockout at the hands of his Ukrainian rival on home turf.
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