Tyson Fury has claimed that the postponement of his WBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight title fight against Wladimir Klitschko is the best thing that could have happened, given he had been suffering from a virus in the original build up.
Klitschko pulled out of the initial Oct. 24 date just days after a fun-filled London press conference – citing a minor calf strain – meaning that the fight was rescheduled for the same Esprit Arena venue in Dusseldorf, 5 weeks later on Nov.28; It’s something Fury says has inadvertently done him a massive favour given he was feeling out-of-sorts with a bug.
“I was not training, I had to have 12 days off. I was totally bedridden for about seven days, I was totally knackered. I was proper laid-up, I was energy-less,” he said to mirror.co.uk.
“So he’s benefited us in our training camp rather than give himself the edge. Now we’re back into the full swing of training and I’ve still got [almost 5] weeks left.”
Many are predicting the fight to be one of the more intriguing Klitschko defences of recent times, given that Fury, at 6’9″, is actually the bigger man going in, and displays a movement and mobility that may pose the 39 year old problems. Particularly if Wladimir is starting to lose his shine a little as some have suspected/speculated in the wake of April’s win over Bryant Jennings, that is.
Either way, Fury, as WBO mandatory has waited a long time for his shot, his last outing coming back in February when he forced Christian Hammer to retire after 8 rounds, and is insistent he will make a fight of it against the champion regardless, and isn’t simply there to be steam-rolled.
“He’s (Klitschko) done us a massive favour — so thanks very much,” Fury added, also insisting everything is now running smoothly with preparations for the card, that will also see his cousin Hughie in action. The 20 year old fights former Tyson opponent Nicolai Firtha on the German bill that will air on HBO (US) and Sky Box Office (UK).
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