Tyson Fury was crowned the new heavyweight champion of the world as he ended Wladimir Klitschko's nine-year reign with a slick points win in Dusseldorf.

The self-styled 'Gypsy King' bullishly claimed he expected an easy fight against the WBA, WBO and IBF title holder as he attempted to become Britain's eighth world heavyweight champion at Dusseldorf's ESPRIT Arena.

The Mancunian, a 4/1 underdog, baffled Klitschko with a stylish, measured performance in which he utilised his height and youth perfectly to earn a superb win with scores of 115-112 twice and 116-111.

"Wladimir deserves a rematch," Vitali Klitschko, also a former heavyweight champion, who was in his brother's corner said.

"It is up to him to decide what he wants to do. He has to analyze things. He will come back stronger after this defeat. He always does."

The unbeaten Traveller (24-0,18KOs) had even claimed the bout against the hugely experienced Klitschko (64-3,53KOs) would be "an easy fight", but he obviously started a heavy underdog. However, with question marks over both fighters' ability to take a shot, Fury had a decent 'puncher's chance'.

He looked relaxed as a sizeable travelling army of supporters cheered his walk to the ring.

Fury ran across the ring towards Klitschko at the first bell, a bundle of nervous energy. An early right hook nearly landed as the pair fenced with each other.

The second was just as cagey but Fury, feinting constantly, landed a couple of half-decent left hooks which arguably won him the round.

Fury, switching stance to southpaw and show-boating, was boxing well without landing much.

Fury landed a right in the fifth but a Klitschko right hand was arguably the best punch of the fight at that stage. Klitschko, meanwhile, suffered a cut on the cheek.

Klitschko, who is used to fighting shorter opponents who he can keep at arm's length, was looking every one of his 39 years as his ponderous, orthodox style threatened to lose him the fight.

As dull as the action was, Fury was boxing beautifully and seemed to be having the time of his life.

Klitschko finally opened up with the right hand in the ninth, landing it properly twice. Fury dealt with it well, however, landing a big left hook in return.

The Ukrainian landed a thudding one-two in the 11th as opinion among observers differed as to whom was winning.

Fury began the 12th aggressively and a left hook hurt Klitschko and chants of "Fury, Fury" rang out. Klitschko landed a ferocious right hand again but Fury shook it off well as the fight finally caught fire. Fury was hurt by another, however, but held on for the final bell.