Tyson Fury knew it was his “destiny” to become world heavyweight champion as he dethroned Wladimir Klitschko, ending the Ukrainian’s nine-year reign with a points win on Saturday in Dusseldorf, Germany.
The self-styled “Gypsy King” claimed he expected an easy fight against the WBA, WBO and IBF title holder as he attempted to become Britain’s eighth world heavyweight champion.
The Mancunian, the clear underdog, baffled Klitschko with a stylish, measured performance in which he utilised his height and youth to earn a unanimous decision. Two judges scored it 115-112 for Fury and the third had it 116-111 – this despite Fury being deducted a point for fouling.
Fury, who was respectful to Klitschko during fight week and magnanimous in victory, said: “I’ve always known I would become world heavyweight champion. It’s my destiny.
“Ask any member of my family; we’ve always known. My brother Shane and I used to spar with each other in the kitchen. We didn’t have gloves, so we wrapped tea towels around our hands.
“I knew I would do it and I knew I would beat Wladimir tonight. I’ve always been confident and I showed why in this fight. I think he knew, too.”
He added: “I’m grateful to him for giving me this chance and if I can be half the champion he is, I’ll be a happy man.”
Fury’s hopes of victory were aided by his height – 2.06 metres to the champion’s 1.98 – and his age. At 27, he is 12 years younger than Klitschko.
Fury remained unbeaten, at 25-0 (with 18 knockouts). Klitschko lost for the fourth time in 68 fights, 53 of which he won by knockout.
Ahead of the match, Fury said he thought it would be “an easy fight” and he showed his eagerness when he ran across the ring towards Klitschko at the first bell.
It was a chess match rather than a brawl but Fury looked confident and composed throughout, switching stances regularly and using footwork, feints and head movement to keep Klitschko frustrated.
Klitschko, used to fighting shorter opponents who he could keep at arm’s length, looked every one of his 39 years as his ponderous, orthodox style threatened to lose him the fight.
As dull as the action was, Fury was boxing beautifully and seemed to be having the time of his life.
Klitschko finally opened up with the right hand in the ninth, landing it properly twice. Fury dealt with it well, however, landing a damaging hook in return.
The Ukrainian landed a thudding one-two in the 11th, and many thought the match could still go to either man.
Fury began the 12th aggressively and a left hook hurt Klitschko and chants of “Fury, Fury” rang out. Klitschko landed a ferocious right hand again but Fury shook it off well as the fight finally caught fire. Fury was hurt by another, however, but held on for the final bell.
Both men claimed victory but when the scores were announced, it was Fury whose hand was raised to signal a changing of the guard in the heavyweight division.
“It wasn’t my night,” Klitschko said. “I wish I’d been able to land more clean shots but I couldn’t get the distance right.
“Tyson was quick with his head movement. I congratulate him. He won the fight.
“To be continued …”
Fury said: “I found him quite difficult to hit, as he did with me.
“He caught me with some good shots. I’m a big, young, fast heavyweight and he landed some hard punches.
“But it wasn’t his night. It was my night.”
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