Klitschko Does Not Rule Out 2013 Tyson Fury Defense

By Phil D. Jay

Four-belt world champion Wladimir Klitschko is willing to put his titles on the line against up and coming challenger Tyson Fury (19-0, 14KOs) but admits that the Irish champion is unlikely to accept his invitation until next year.

‘Dr. Steelhammer’ is struggling for credible opponents following his easy dismantling of Tony Thompson for the second time on Saturday night and knows that Fury would provide the opposition to get the fans interested in the heavyweight division once again.

"I think we could end up fighting very soon, probably in the next year,” Klitschko told Channel 5.

"From fight to fight he's just going to get better but I doubt it is going to happen this year, but probably next."

Fury, 24, could be just two or three fights away from accepting the fight, although the 6ft 9ins heavyweight has stipulated that he would like the fight to take place on home soil in Ireland or the UK and on his terms.

“I’m not interested in taking a payday against Klitschko and I’ve got a year until that,” He told The Daily Star.

“I’ll take the fight when it’s right. I’m on my time, not his. I won’t be rushed and I’ve got a long time left.

“I’ve got a lot of learning to do, and I want big fights, but they take time to happen so it’s going to take a while to set up.

“Wladimir badly needs some new challengers, but it will be when it’s my time and not before. He can carry on having easy fights until then.,” he added.

Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net