Tyson Fury was handed his first shot at a world title against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 – and the boxing legend offered the Ukrainian a chance to make history with a blockbuster rematch
Boxing mogul Turki Alalshikh has astonishingly disclosed his ambition to orchestrate a heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and the long-retired Wladimir Klitschko. ‘The Gypsy King’ first earned his shot at a world title against the heavyweight legend in 2015, a fight many thought he had no chance of winning.
However, on the night Klitschko was unable to handle Fury’s unconventional style and was outmanoeuvred over 12 rounds. Fury was awarded the victory by unanimous decision, securing a monumental upset and claiming the unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight world titles.
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A rematch was scheduled for a year later, but Fury postponed the bout with the Ukrainian after being declared “medically unfit” to fight. Klitschko had to wait two years before stepping back into the ring, where he suffered a punishing defeat to Anthony Joshua for the IBF, vacant WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles.
Despite retiring shortly afterwards, His Excellency is ready to offer the Ukrainian another opportunity to make history. Alalshikh recently shared his ‘dream’ of making Fury vs Klitschko II a reality, giving the latter the chance to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
This record is currently held by George Foreman, who knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 at the age of 45. With Klitschko turning 49 in March, he will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the upcoming showdown between ‘The Gypsy King’ and Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Alalshikh disclosed: “The result of Tyson vs Usyk, a lot of people are waiting for them. One of them is Dubois. Another is Joshua. At the same time, there is a third person. I am dreaming of seeing this fight to give chance if he accepts to give Klitschko to give back to be the oldest heavyweight champion ever. To give him the chance. This is perfect.”
He further elaborated, “Of course, he won’t fight Usyk if he wins because they’re two heroes from Ukraine will not fight each other. This is the dream. Fury has a lot of people that want him in the line. Klitschko, all the people want to see it from 2015 again, and there’s also Joshua, which would be the hugest Britain fight ever [against Fury]. Of course, Dubois deserves this chance. Let’s see.”
The Mail reported that Klitschko had shown interest in making a comeback to challenge Dubois for his IBF title after Joshua passed up an immediate rematch. Astonishingly, talks commenced for this surprise championship bout. However, following Mike Tyson’s loss to Jake Paul last month, Saudi organisers have reportedly abandoned the idea. Now, Dubois is set to face Joseph Parker in a major heavyweight showdown in February.
