WITH the world heavyweight title showdown between Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury just a day away, elite UK fighters from the past and present day – including seven full world champions – have their say on the fight and provide their insightful Wladimir Klitschko v Tyson Fury predictions.
NEXT: Terry Flanagan
Terry Flanagan
WBO lightweight champion
FURY on points. It’s a big ask but I think he will outpoint Klitschko.
NEXT: Paul Butler
Paul Butler
Former IBF bantamweight champion
I KEEP changing my mind, but I’m going to go with Klitschko to win on points. Tyson will make it difficult for him at times but the experience will come through.
NEXT: Billy Joe Saunders
Billy Joe Saunders
WBO middleweight mandatory challenger
I THINK it’s going to be very close at times but I think Tyson has more ‘want’ and need for it. It’s going to be a 50-50 so I’m going with the younger man, Fury, to win by stoppage in the middle rounds.
NEXT: Lee Selby
Lee Selby
IBF featherweight champion
FURY can win on points due to his youth, speed and size.
NEXT: Kell Brook
Kell Brook
IBF welterweight champion
KLITSCHKO wins on points. I just think he keeps himself in great shape, he’s fighting in Germany, he’s boxed the better fighters and, watching him, I believe he has the right tools for the job.
NEXT: Derry Mathews
Derry Mathews
Former WBA Interim lightweight champion
FURY. I reckon it’ll be a late stoppage and I’m hoping Klitschko has got old overnight.
NEXT: Anthony Crolla
Anthony Crolla
WBA lightweight champion
FOR a few weeks now I’ve been thinking Fury. He struggled with discipline early in his career but his uncle Peter has rectified that, and you can now see the definition in Fury’s body, and the changes that Peter has made. I’m picking Tyson to score the big upset, inside the distance.
NEXT: Darren Barker
Darren Barker
Former IBF middleweight champion
KLITSCHKO unanimous decision. Fury will give it everything but I just think he’s up against a fighter who has mastered the sport in the sense he hits and doesn’t get hit. Maybe it will be boring at time times but it’ll be intriguing throughout.
NEXT: Barry McGuigan
Barry McGuigan
Former WBA featherweight champion
KLITSCHKO is a strong favourite but you have to give Fury a chance early in the fight. The longer it goes, though, the less chance he has because he’s not an athlete and Wladimir is. Tyson has to get out of the blocks early and take it to Klitschko because I don’t believe he can outbox the Ukrainian, but he’s fast enough and big enough to catch Wladimir and hurt him. However it all boils down to pedigree and levels and despite the fact that Klitschko’s 39 years old he’ll still have too much for Fury, sadly. So it’s a wide points decision or more likely a stoppage in the last third of the fight.
NEXT: Colin McMillan
Colin McMillan
Former WBO featherweight champion
I FANCY Klichtsko – technically he is the better fighter – with more experience and home advantage. Fury should prove a good test for the ageing Klitschko but I still feel his youth, fighting spirit and unpredictability will not be enough to dethrone the champion. Klitschko on points.
