Tyson Fury vs Wladimir Klitschko

Klitschko now holds the WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO belts. Time and again, we have seen opponents trying to rile him in the buildup without success.

“Klitschko has never fought anyone like me; a 6ft 9ins switch-hitter who is as unorthodox as two left feet on a clown facing backwards”.

Fury must start fast, and put pressure on the champion, forcing him back.

“I believe that he’s the superman, but I’ve got the kryptonite and I can handle his special powers easily”.

Fury has spent most of his career fighting in Europe and has defeated the likes of Dereck Chisora, Christian Hammer, Kevin Johnson, and former Cruiserweight World Champion Steve Cunningham.

Klitschko believes Fury will feel the pressure of his first world title fight, but admitted yesterday that he was driven by a fear of failure – and a “big ego which needs satisfying”.

The real reason Klitschko doesn’t generate hate with American sports fans is because he seldom fights here.

Klitschko had a more successful amateur career as he was a gold medal victor in 1996 in the Super Heavyweight Division. “I’m not trying to be an Irishman”, said Fury.

Fury, 27, explained how Klitschko changed his style following his last defeat in 2004 when he got knocked out by Lamon Brewster. So I’m prepared for anything and I don’t think Tyson himself knows what he’s going to do.

Those who give Fury no chance at all, point to this experience and home advantage factor. “We’re talking about a fighter from a different weight class. No light heavyweight or cruiserweight ever came close to getting me down”.

“If I can’t beat a 39-year-old man, I need to pack it in, simple, I’m going nowhere”, he continued. The verdict of the Sheffield heavyweight Richard Towers, who has sparred with both men and helped prepare Klitschko for the fight, is particularly emphatic: “When he throws a punch, nine out of 10 times it lands, and he’s always in position to throw shots”, he said.

Tyson Fury is unhappy with the surface of the boxing ring ahead of his showdown with Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf tonight.

During their pre-fight staredown this week, Fury asked for a smile “let’s see those teeth”, complimenting him on the way he smells.

Klitschko, from Ukraine, is 64-3, with 54 knockouts, including six of his last ten fights and has won 21 consecutive fights. “I will know.” He is sure the time is not now and Fury is equally convinced that the time is right.

After a buildup dominated by humor – Fury dressed up as Batman, sung to Klitschko, and complimented him on his scent, while also making wild boasts of ending his rival’s long heavyweight reign – the British fighter stuck to the script on Friday, maintaining his silence during the obligatory staredown that ended with a handshake.