Wladimir Klitschko has seen it all before as he prepares to face Tyson Fury on October 24, and the Brit has merely angered the beast this week.
The WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight king arrived in London on Wednesday, and responded to Fury’s Batman antics and insults with a simple message.
Watch more brilliant snippets like this with fanatix’s sports video news app
The outspoken Brit is undoubtedly a media treat as he staged a mock fight with cousin Hughie Fury who was dressed as The Joker, before launching into tirades directed at both Klitschko and trainer Johnathon Banks, as reported by Sky Sports.
However, while he may be selling tickets and box office purchases, his entertaining show has ultimately distracted himself from the task at hand while disrespecting a champion that will be more motivated than ever to silence his latest challenger.
For all the negativity and criticism surrounding Klitschko, the 39-year-old remains a consummate professional and does his job and accepts his limitations both in and out of the ring.
Is it his fault that the standard of his opponents hasn’t been up to scratch with the legendary names that have gone before in the heavyweight division? Should you blame him for his fighting style after suffering such devastating knockout defeats earlier in his career?
Ultimately, the Ukrainian is a credit to the sport and continues to deliver by beating what is put in front of him. Doubters will question his age and ability to continue at the top, and Fury will be his toughest challenge yet.
Nevertheless, the pre-fight antics from the challenger will not effect him at all as he has been through the whole circus with David Haye in 2011 and toe injuries aside, he dealt with him.
Furthermore, although Klitschko will be facing a taller, bigger and younger fighter in Fury, he has proven against the likes of Kubrat Pulev that the challenge only spurs him on to deliver a better performance where he may well even adopt a more aggressive strategy.
Fury will likely enjoy moments in the fight that threaten to see the champion dethroned, but ultimately, this is another night at the office for Klitschko and the motivation to prove that he is not on the decline and isn’t ready to forfeit his belts remains the deciding factor between the two fighters.
COMMENTS