By Edward Chaykovsky
Peter Fury, trainer and uncle of newly crowned IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (25-0, 18KOs), has warned the IBF of a harsh response if the sanctioning body follows through with their threat to strip his nephew.
Last Saturday night in Dusseldorf, Tyson created a firestorm when he pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory by winning a twelve round unanimous decision over longtime champion Wladimir Klitschko.
There is an immediate rematch clause in the contract, which Klitschko exercised on Wednesday.
The IBF is now getting involved, ordering Fury to face mandatory challenger Vyacheslav "Czar" Glazkov first.
"Yes, absolutely [we would bin the title]. If they want to take the belt from us in such pathetic and disgusting circumstances, that will result in a public and embarrassing display for the IBF. That's for sure," Peter Fury explained to Sky Sports.
"It's shocking news. I don't think the IBF know what's happening. When we did the Klitschko deal, they wanted a rematch clause, which is common practice when you're dealing in major world title fights. He's exercising that clause so there's nothing we can do to satisfy the IBF. Tyson has to fight Klitschko."
Peter is shocked with the IBF's decision to make an order so quickly. The sanctioning organization already scheduled a mandatory purse for next week. Fury would lose his world title if he fails to comply with their directive to face Glazkov.
Fury is willing to face Glazkov, but only after he satisfies a contractual obligation to fight Klitschko in a rematch. If Fury would attempt to bypass Klitschko in order to do the IBF's mandatory, he would face severe legal consequences and a legal battle would surely erupt between all parties.
"I think it's totally unfair and unprofessional from the IBF, because Tyson was crowned champion only on Saturday. With all this carry on, they're giving us no time. They should be happy he holds the belt and is fighting again in the biggest fight out there. The winner would then take the IBF mandatory," Fury said.
"It damages boxing as a whole. We've said what should happen and we're happy to defend it and take the mandatory but don't hold us to ransom. There's no way we can take the fight before Klitschko - he's first in line. We're happy to show the IBF the contract and if they can see a way out of it then we'll face Glazkov first. But we know there isn't. Let Tyson get through Klitschko and then we'll face Glazkov. We want to face the mandatory fighters but we don't want to be stripped of a belt when it's not correct. I've not had a chance to speak to Tyson yet but I'm sure when I do, he'll hit the roof."