Klitschko-Fury title fight postponed after champion suffers injury

Published:

The long-awaited heavyweight world title contest between reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko and contender Tyson Fury has been postponed after the Ukrainian suffered a tendon tear in his left calf during preparations for the previously scheduled October 24th bout.

Britain’s Fury recently caused a stir during the pair’s press conference in London, donning a Batman costume and wrestling an intruder dressed as the Joker to the ground, before releasing an onslaught of scathing remarks towards his supposed opponent, who has revealed his disappointment at having to withdraw.

“I am of course incredibly sorry – for my fans but also for my opponent Tyson Fury,” declared Klitschko.

The defending champion’s manager Bernd Bonte also weighed in on his fighter’s unfortunate injury, stating: “Next week we will make it known when the fight will be re-staged. We will definitely remain in Dusseldorf.”

Klitschko was set to defend his IBF, WBO, IBO, WBA Super and The Ring Magazine belts against Fury in Germany but has now had to postpone the anticipated showdown, with their encounter having seemingly been set to be one of the most intriguing heavyweight match-ups in recent years.

It comes a huge blow to the undefeated Manchester-born bruiser, who has now effectively missed out on three of his most lucrative pay days in the sport due to injuries to opponents, with David Haye having twice withdrawn form a bout back in 2013.

The 27-year-old’s meeting with the dominant champion would have been Klitschko’s record-breaking 28th heavyweight title showdown and his 19th defence during his second reign as world champion.

Fury, the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’, was on course to fight in front of a rapturous 55k crowd at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf next month, but his wait for a shot at that coveted world title continues after another frustrating twist in his professional career.

Latest Articles