Tyson Fury Expected Wladimir Klitschko Would Withdraw

By Terence Dooley

Tyson Fury (24-0, 18 early) has told the Manchester Evening News that he expected Wladimir Klitschko to withdraw from their October 24 encounter.  The heavyweights were going to vie for Klitschko’s WBA, IBO, IBF and WBO belts at Dussedorf's Esprit Arena only for the defending titlist to pick up a calf injury in training yesterday.

The bout has been pushed back as a result of this injury, but will be definitely be rescheduled due to Fury’s mandatory challenger status.  The 27-year-old, though, believes that the 39-year-old champion is running scared and accused David Haye of the same thing when referring back to their pair of spiked fights in 2013—Haye had to withdraw from both dates due to a cut and shoulder injury respectively.

“It was only on Wednesday that I was face to face with him and I knew he (Klitschko) wouldn’t fight, I knew he would pull out,” said Fury.  “Johnny Nelson was there when we filmed Behind the Gloves and I said to him that I will have to back off because I can see that he would pull out.  I saw the same thing in him that I saw in David Haye.  Me, Peter [Fury, his trainer] and my dad had a conversation and I said he would pull out.”

Klitschko released a statement earlier today in which he apologised to Fury as well as the fans who bought tickets and paid for flights and accommodation.  The Germany-based Ukrainian stated via KMG that tickets will remain valid for the rearranged date, which should be revealed at some point next week.