Klitschko v Fury: Intriguing fight depends on Brit's tactics but champ's class should prevail

Alex Steedman
26 November 2015

The Klitschko v Fury build-up has been captivating but Alex expects the fight to go the way of the favourite

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The odds say the fight will go the way of Wladimir Klitschko and while Alex Steedman doesn't disagree he isn't entirely dismissing Tyson Fury's chances - the Brit is a class fighter who has the skills to spring a surprise...

"Fury has a three-inch advantage in height and four in reach so this is a very different test for Klitschko than usual and he's up against a young, motivated and unbeaten fighter who genuinely believes in himself. But then so did Haye until he found out he simply couldn't hit Klitschko. If Haye struggled to connect I think it's likely Fury will too."

Wladimir Klitschko v Tyson Fury
Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf, 21:00
Live on Sky Box Office

Last weekend two more Brits claimed world titles thanks to Anthony Crolla and Lee Haskins but not even Crolla's feel-good moment compares to what could happen in Germany on Saturday night. Tyson Fury has the chance to become Heavyweight Champion of the World in Dusseldorf if beating the man, Wladimir Klitschko. Men, stories and challenges don't come any bigger.

The build up to this fight has been engaging as well as amusing even by boxing, and indeed Fury's, heightened standards. Press conferences have been punctuated by Fury dressed as Batman and more recently as crooner to Wlad. Anyone who rightly wondered how the one-month delay (after Klitschko's injury) would affect Fury must know he seems his 'normal' self and the recent 'Face off' between the two men on Sky Sports, captivating television.

WATCH: @Tyson_Fury tells @MichellePhelps he mentally unsettled @Klitschko with Batman antics https://t.co/5WoM9wbIeY pic.twitter.com/GVhPksffri
? Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 31, 2015

Fury (5.59/2 to win the fight) has been inspired, unpredictable and convincing at every turn but do you believe in him as much as he believes in himself? Some say Fury is deluded but there is method to the seeming madness as well as foundation to his story. I've said it here before but it's worth repeating; Tyson Fury is much, much better than he looks, in every way.

I would go as far as saying if you haven't seen Fury from close up at ringside, it's difficult to credit what he's capable of and how good he is. I say that because I was a doubter previously having only watched him on the telly. I thought Fury was a big, clumsy lump and I was certain that David Haye would knock him out but seeing Fury from the privilege of ringside changed all of that.

Fury can box, he can move, he is extremely fit and energetic for a man of his size and it's possible that Wladimir (1.232/9) could have similar problems in actually hitting Fury as opponents have discovered against him down the years. This fight actually has the propensity to be more of a tactical bore-off than Klitschko's bout with Haye. Only I don't think Fury's ego or perhaps more correctly, his manhood will allow that to happen.

I think the pattern of this fight revolves around Fury almost entirely. If Fury wants to have it like he says he does then we could be in for fireworks. Both have excellent footwork and jabs though Wladimir is more athletic and perhaps just a little quicker too. That may settle things in the end. If Fury comes out aggressively like he says he will then this could follow the pattern of Klitschko's impressive 5th round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev last November.

If Fury boxes - and with the calm presence of uncle Peter in the corner that is a distinct possibility- then we could be in for some rounds. Klitschko winning by decision as he has in three of his last six fights is big enough at (3.4/3.45) but still seems hard to reconcile with all of Fury's talk.

In a boxing match, Fury has a chance (14.013/1 to win by DEC/TD) but it seems likelier if he can rough Klitschko up, particularly when the pair are up close (9.08/1 KO/TKO/DQ). If Klitschko jabs and grabs as he has in the past then Fury has to batter away with all he has. It's worth remembering that Fury has the best variety and arsenal of any heavyweight bar Haye but he has the size too. It really is an intriguing fight.

Fury has a three-inch advantage in height and four in reach so this is a very different test for Klitschko than usual and he's up against a young, motivated and unbeaten fighter who genuinely believes in himself. But then so did Haye until he found out he simply couldn't hit Klitschko. If Haye struggled to connect I think it's likely Fury will too.

The history of the sport and the shape of its marquee division could alter memorably on Saturday night if Fury proves a man of his word, but I sense their may appear a gap between belief and reality. Klitschko is difficult to beat and just at least a bit better than Fury in every way. The ride has been fun with Boxing's Batman and Joker but when it gets serious on Saturday, Klitschko will have the last laugh.

Recommended Bet
Back Klitschko to win by KO/TKO @ 1.9210/11