Wladimir Klitschko says failure is not an option after exercising his option of an immediate rematch with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian was dethroned as the unified heavyweight champion of the world last Saturday in a stunning upset. But he will bid to reclaim his four belts next year in the return fight.
In an Instagram post, he said: ‘I have a pre-Christmas gift for Tyson Fury and all boxing fans around the world.
‘I will be making use of my contractual option for a rematch against Fury. So to say the fight of 2016 is in the making. 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.’
Klitschko’s manager Bernd Bonte added: ‘There will be a huge worldwide interest in this fight, which already can be billed as the fight of the year 2016.’
But Fury’s trainer and uncle, Peter Fury, is confident the rematch will result in another defeat for the deposed former champion.
‘We’re very much looking forward to the rematch because I want Tyson to do a more convincing job,’ said Fury.
‘He will stop him inside the distance, KO, whatever you want to call it. I am highly confident and we’re very grateful for the chance to see it again.’
The bout could take place in Dusseldorf once more, although Old Trafford and Wembley are alternatives should the 39-year-old agree to travel to the UK.
And Tyson Fury says he has no problem returning to the scene of his triumph.
He said: ‘I want to be a great champion and I’d like to do it again. I’d like to go back to Germany to fight Wladimir. I’ve enjoyed it. I got a great reception from all the German fans.’
The IBF have already called for the 27-year-old to defend their title against Vyacheslav Glazkov. However, promoter Mick Hennessy says Fury would sooner vacate the title than agree to the fight.
Hennessy said: ‘If they want to hustle and bully Tyson into fighting Glazkov, Tyson will end up putting the belt in the bin at a major press conference.’ – Daily Mail