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Klitschko promises to 'rescue insane' Fury

Chuck PenfoldNovember 24, 2015

Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has vowed to give challenger Tyson Fury some "therapy" when the two meet in the ring on Saturday. For his part, the challenger has vowed to "expose" the champion's flaws.

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Boxsport Schwergewicht Wladimir Klitschko und Herausforderer Tyson Fury
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/R. Vennenbernd

Speaking to reporters Düsseldorf on Tuesday, the British challenger was brimming with confidence that he would beat Klitschko on Saturday to take the Ukrainian champion's IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles.

"I think this might be one of my easiest fights," the Manchester native said. "I know that sounds crazy, because he's a super champion, but I see so many chinks in his armor. I can expose what he doesn't do very well and you'll see what I'm talking about on Saturday night," added fury, who at 27, 12 years younger than Klitschko.

"I'm coming very fast for you, Wlad. Old guy, young guy. Old champion, new champion. Enough said. Amen."

Klitschko appeared to be his quietly confident self, largely content to do his big talking in the ring in Düsseldorf's Espirit Arena, where, having spent much of his adult life residing in Germany, he should be able to count on the support of the "home" fans.

"There have been many fighters I've faced, this time I face a guy whose young, a real challenge," Klitschko said. "It's going to be a great night.

Doctor offers therapy

In an interview with the newspaper "Die Welt", Klitschko, who holds a doctorate in sports sciences, did some trash talking of his own.

"I believe he is insane," Klitschko said. "He's a patient who urgently needs therapy. And the boxing ring, the fight, is the best form of therapy. I'm a doctor and I'll rescue you."

Boxen: Weltmeister Wladimir Klitschko gewinnt nach Punkten gegen Bryant Jennings
Klitschko's fight with Bryant Jennings went to the judges cards. Can he slug his way to a 19th consecutive title defense?Image: picture-alliance/dpa

As the champion, Klitschko goes into the bout as the favorite and despite his height and age disadvantage - 198 centimeters (6 foot 5) compared to Fury' 206 centimeters (6 foot 9). Klitschko has a career record of 64 wins and just three defeats, with 53 of the wins coming through a knockout. His last defeat was more than a decade ago.

Fury has a perfect record, having won all 24 of his professional fights, 18 of them with knockouts.

So far, 42,000 of the 50,000 available tickets have been sold for Saturday's bout. Klitschko's manager, Bernd Bönte said that the demand for tickets had dried up since the latest terror attacks in Paris. Bönte pledged that all possible measures would be taken to ensure that the venue was secure.

pfd/dv (AFP, SID, dpa)