On October 29 at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom, WBA-WBO Unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), from Wilmslow, Cheshire, UK, is scheduled to defend his titles against former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs), from Kiev, Ukraine, by way of Zhangiztobe, Kazakhstan.
Fury shocked the world when he and Klitschko fought on November 28, 2016, in Düsseldorf, Germany. Taller, faster, younger, rangier, and world’s more inspired than the long reigning champion, Fury brought the fight to Klitschko, who looked ill-equipped to deal with the awkward challenger before him.
Klitschko exercised the rematch clause in the contract for their first fight and an April date was set aside so they could do it again. But Klitschko was injured while training for the rematch, which was rescheduled for July.
But the July fight was postponed as well, this time when Fury was injured.
After considerable back-and-forth, both sides agreed to an October 29 date, which appears to be as firm as the two dates which preceded it. Both men are currently healthy. But there may be trouble in River City.
Klitschko released a video via Twitter earlier today to announce that, in light of the lack of cooperation from Fury and his team, he has no choice but to take him to court.
“Dear fans,” said Klitschko. “I just wanted to keep you updated on the status quo of my rematch against Fury. Unfortunately, Team Fury is trying to change the terms of the already signed contract multiple times and is going on endless. To protect my own rights and eventually see a rematch, I’m forced to go to court.”
Klitschko did not reveal what Team Fury is attempting to change, but according to Klitschko’s manager, Bernd Boente, speaking to Boxing News, the changes concern, among other things, “financial conditions.”
Hopefully the differences between the two camps can be ironed out. Two postponements have been bad enough. A third postponement, while a looming possibility, is something all of us dread.
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
