The Gypsy King of England is amazingly, wonderfully, sensationally – and tearfully – the new heavyweight champion of the world. Tyson Fury ended the decade-long reign of the great Wladimir Klitschko with a display of astonishing nerve and virtuosity – just as he said he would. It was the biggest shock in boxing since James Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson 25 years ago as he inflicted Kitschko’s first defeat since 2004 to win the IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles.

The 27-year-old Mancunian giant made the near-40-year-old Klitschko look slow and old with elusive daring, his impudent taunting and, above all, with his quickness of hand and foot.

But it wasn’t simply the Ukrainian hitting the age barrier which has opened a rich world of opportunity to the man who would be happier living in a traveller’s caravan than a mansion.

As is custom, Fury burst into song in the ring after winning. What preceded that was a phenomenal effort and a richly deserved triumph against heavy betting odds.

Fury had talked the talk for months and he didn’t just walk the walk, he danced the dance.

Klitschko struggled all night to catch up with him and although there were rounds which Fury let slip by failing to throw enough punches, his triumph was for unorthodox valiance. Both men were generous to the other at the end.

Fury may have to do it all again as it is believed there is a re-match clause in the contract. Perhaps back in Germany if that proves to be the best commercial prospect. Although Wembley Stadium would fill for this one.

Whether Kitschko would want to go through all the frustration again is another matter.

He could retire.— Sportsmail

You Might Also Like

Comments