Briton Tyson Fury defeated Wladimir Klitschko by unanimous decision to end the Ukrainian’s nine and a half-year reign as heavyweight champion on Saturday night and took his World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) heavyweight titles.
A bruising encounter at the ESPIRT Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany ended with cuts near both of Klitschko’s eyes
Referee Tony Weeks went to the judges’ scorecard with Cesar Ramos and Raul Caiz Sr scoring the match 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 at the 55,000-seat stadium.
Klitschko (64-4, 53 KO) was cautious until attempting a recovery in the final rounds, but suffered his first defeat since April 2004.
It was Klitschko’s 28th title fight, but the premier heavyweight of this era relinquished the IBF belt he had held since 2006, the WBO title he’d owned since 2008, and the WBA crown he’d had since 2011.
The other major belt, the WBC’s, was held by Deontay Wilder of the U.S. That was vacated in 2013 by Klitschko’s older brother Vitali.
Fury was itching to go from the start, and he ran into the first round to put Klitschko off kilter. The Briton took the liberty of goading Klitschko during and after the round.
Fury put his hands behind his back in the third round, though the defending champion improved in the next. He landed a big right on Klitschko in the fifth, when he opened a small cut under his right eye, and taunted him again.
The Briton’s intensity seemed to drop as Klitschko improved, but still he needled him in the seventh, when he urged Klitschko to “come on” and baited him again with his hands behind his back, prompting more jeers.
Fury had a point deducted for hitting behind the head in the 11th and both fighters gave their all in a furious final round before raising their arms in celebration.
With his victory, Fury is laying claim to be the “the most charismatic champion since Muhammad Ali” after delivering on his promise to dethrone Klitschko and become the new world heavyweight champion.
“I always said what I would do and I delivered. I didn’t have this confidence for nothing.
“I knew all along I could win the fight.
“I saw in his eyes that he was going to lose this fight,” he boasted.
Defeated Klitschko admitted his successor was better and demands a rematch.
“I must admit that Tyson Fury was faster and better,” Klitschko told German broadcaster RTL.
“The speed was missing, for a big man he is incredibly agile.
“I didn’t put the punches in and could not find the right key to open up the fight.”
Klitschko said he will “definitely” use the option of a rematch, which is in the fight contract.
