Tyson Fury ends Wladimir Klitschko’s heavyweight reign

Britain’s Fury causes boxing upset as he brings an end to Klitschko’s nine-and-half-year reign with a points victory.

Tyson Fury celebrates winning the fight
Tyson Fury now holds the IBF, WBO and WBA titles and becomes the first Briton to hold a world heavyweight crown since 2009 [Reuters]

Tyson Fury of Britain is the new heavyweight world champion after defeating long-reigning Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko in a unanimous decision Saturday night in Dusseldorf.

undefined

Fury, 27, won the titles of the three most important ranking boxing organisations, the IBF, WBO and WBA, in front of 45,000 spectators.

After a bruising encounter that ended with cuts near both of Klitschko’s eyes, referee Tony Weeks went to the judges’ scorecards.

Cesar Ramos and Raul Caiz Sr scored it 115-112 each, while Ramon Cerdan had it 116-111 in favour of the undefeated Briton (25-0, 18 KO).

Fury, 12 years younger than the 39-year-old Klitschko, taunted and baited the champion at various stages, prompting jeers from fans.

Emotional Fury

Klitschko (64-4, 53 KO), contesting his 28th title fight, was cautious until attempting a recovery in the final rounds, but suffered his first defeat since April 2004.

“The speed was missing. Reach played a big role. I tried but it didn’t work,” said Klitschko, who at 1.98 metres (6-foot-6), was in the unusual position of facing someone taller in the 2.09-metres (6-foot-9) Fury.

Fury, who weighed in at 112kg (246 pounds) also had a half-a-kilogram weight advantage.

“I’ve said some stupid things,” an emotional Fury said of his pre-fight talk and antics. “Wladimir, you’re a great champion and thanks for having me. It was all fun and games in the build-up.”

Wladimir Klitschko said he will 'definitely' use the option of a rematch, which is in the fight contract [EPA]
Wladimir Klitschko said he will ‘definitely’ use the option of a rematch, which is in the fight contract [EPA]
Source: News Agencies