For years, boxing fans have been waiting for that guy who can revitalize the heavyweight division and give it some sexiness that has been lacking since the Holyfield-Bowe-Tyson era.
On Saturday, November 28th, in Esprit Arena in Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, the reigning undisputed heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko will defend his title against the man whom many believe will usher in a new era- Tyson Fury. And unlike most fighters, the cagey and bombastic Irishman has already brought a flair for the dramatics as he has been a combination of boisterous, charismatic, confident and even a bit outlandish with his dialogue and antics.
“I’m not coming to Germany to win on points. I’m going to do a demolition job on Wladimir,” said Fury earlier after he serenaded Klitschko with his own renditions of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” during a press conference.
In many ways, you can’t blame boxing fans and promoters for rooting for Fury to defeat Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday. While “Dr Steelhammer” Klitschko is one of the most dominant champions in the history of the heavyweight division, he has been unable to capture the American audience and has been labeled a bore.
Blame it on the fact that he has a technical style and one that is not consider entertaining or thrilling by the casual fans. It could be the fact that he comes from the old Soviet Republic instead of Middle America or the fact that while he is an intelligent and well-spoken champion, he is conservative and reserved. In short, he is looked at by many as a fighter who puts more people to sleep, and not only in the ring but out of the ring as well.
Enter “The Gypsey King” who already has done something that only David Haye did but with more cheekiness and flair; he has dared to talk trash to the champion and made bold proclamations and gestures. At one press conference, Fury attended dressed as Batman and proceeded to wrestle another man dressed as The Joker, which drew laughs and cheers from the media as Klitschko looked on in disbelief.
A few boxing insiders have suggested that there are more than a few networks and promoters hoping that Fury comes up with the win in hopes of setting up a major showdown with American heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
However, the biggest reason why Fury gives boxing fans hope is his skill and size. For one of the few times in Wladimir Klitschko’s career, he will be the smaller fighter as he will be taking on a man in Tyson Fury who stands at 6’9″ and weighs around 260 pounds. And while Klitschko likes to dominate with his jab and hold at times, against a larger man who figures to be heavier than him come fight night, that might not be the best option for Klitschko.
While Klitschko called Fury a clown with some justification and promised to get him a job in Cirque du Soleil, he respects the power and the skill that Fury brings to this fight as the Irish heavyweight has continued to grow under the tutelage of his uncle, Peter Fury.
Ever since getting dropped by Steve Cunningham in Madison Square Garden in 2014, Fury has shown a more durable chin and more skill as he has racked up three more wins including a dominant rematch over Derek Chisore. In short, while many have been calling Fury a clown and someone who is about to get starched in two or three rounds, Team Fury has been steadfast that they have made the improvements that will help lead their guy to the world championship.
Make no mistake, this is a huge gamble and risk for Peter Fury and his team as they confidently call out the Klitschkos without a care in the world. The last man to do it was David Haye who proceeded to get dominated and beat down after he promised that he was going to “rid the world of the Klitschkos”.
Wladimir Klitschko has also become nearly unstoppable since suffering his last loss to Lamon Brewster nearly eleven years ago, and he’s done this by using his size, technical skill, and power to mow down twenty straight opponents on his quest to break Joe Louis’ title defense record.
However, nobody will ever say that Tyson Fury lacks confidence and courage, but it is his size and talent that have many boxing people thinking about a possible upset- becoming the first man to beat Klitschko in eleven years. In fact, many boxing promoters are hoping that Tyson can be the one to beat Klitschko as his natural charisma and personality is what could make him become a huge cross over boxing star.
So, this Saturday there will be millions of boxing fans around the world watching and waiting to see if Tyson Fury is the Kryptonite to Klitschko or if “Dr. Steelhammer” sends Fury into a long tumble down the heavyweight rankings.
Its a story and plot line that would make DC and Marvel envious with glee.
