Tyson Fury’s rematch with Ukrainian boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko was confirmed today to take place at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, July 9th. The mega-fight will be broadcast exclusively live on BoxNation in the UK.
The iconic venue has witnessed some colossal showdowns over the years including Mancunian legend Ricky Hatton’s unforgettable world title victory over Kostya Tszyu; Welsh legend Joe Calzaghe treated fight fans to a boxing master-class against Jeff Lacy; countless Naseem Hamed and Nigel Benn classics and now Fury will look to grace the famous arena with another barn-burner.
The bitter grudge match sees Fury, the linear, WBA Super, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine World Heavyweight Champion make the first defence of the titles against the man he took them from in an explosive blockbuster showdown.
Undefeated Fury shocked the sporting world last November when he sensationally dethroned long-reigning heavyweight icon Klitschko in one of boxing’s biggest ever upsets in recent years at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Klitschko is gunning for revenge after suffering his first defeat in over 11 years at the hands of the Mancunian. The 40-year-old was quick to take up the contractual option for a rematch against Fury; ending speculation that he would decide to retire after his 11 year, 22-fight unbeaten streak was spectacularly ended. ‘Dr Steelhammer’ (64-4 54 KOs) is determined to recapture his belts from Fury and take his place back at the top of the world heavyweight scene.
Fury said: “I’m thrilled to get this fight on July 9th at the Manchester Arena. I’m the best heavyweight in the world and the rest are imposters to my titles. I am coming for all of them once I’ve dealt with Klitschko a second time.”
He added: “The only man that could beat Klitschko is me. What I’ve got can’t be taught; you’ve either got it or you haven’t. How you beat robots is to do unorthodox things. I’m expecting a totally different fight; he’s going to have to come over here and fight this time. It’s going to be a slugfest.”
