Sport

Klitschko takes up option of a rematch with Tyson Fury

Former champion eager to make amends for a substandard display in Dusseldorf

Wladimir Klitschko: “I want to show that I am much better than my performance on Saturday. I couldn’t show my full potential at any time” Photo: Sascha Steinbach/Bongarts/Getty Images
Wladimir Klitschko: “I want to show that I am much better than my performance on Saturday. I couldn’t show my full potential at any time” Photo: Sascha Steinbach/Bongarts/Getty Images
Thu Dec 03 2015 - 01:00

Wladimir Klitschko says the desire to prove a point is behind his decision to take up his option on an immediate rematch against new world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Klitschko admitted he underperformed in losing his crown to Fury in a below-par contest in Dusseldorf last Saturday night and did not take long to reject any possibility of retirement.

The 39-year-old said in a video message on Instagram: “I have a pre-Christmas gift for Tyson Fury and all boxing fans around the world. I’ll be making use of my contractual option for a rematch against Fury. So to say, the fight of 2016 is in the making.”

Klitschko’s performance on Saturday night baffled observers and the Ukrainian clearly believes his defeat was a one-off rather than any indication of advancing years taking their toll.

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He added in a statement on his official website: “I was really frustrated directly after the fight but after some short nights I now know that I want to show that I am much better than my performance on Saturday. I couldn’t show my full potential at any time. This is what I want to change in the rematch – and I will. Failure is not an option.”

Fury's trainer Peter Fury welcomed the news and said the bout could take place in England, adding: "We're looking at possibly getting it at Wembley Stadium next year."

And Fury admitted he was surprised by the speed of Klitschko’s decision to take up a rematch, which delays other options such as a prospective unification bout against WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Fury said on Sky Sports News: “I think it’s fantastic news. We’re absolutely ecstatic. These are the two best heavyweights in the world, bar none, and it’s nice to see them clashing again.”

And while Klitschko insists he underperformed, Fury also believes his charge will come out stronger for a rematch after the quality of their first meeting drew a considerable amount of derision.

Fury added: “Tyson had a lot more to give as well. I think it’s going to be great for both guys, because I said after the fight Tyson only performed only about 60-65 per cent of his potential, so I’m looking forward to letting Tyson do 100 per cent of what we know he can do.”