There was a press conference in London today, to promote the return fight between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko, now back on (we hope) for October 29 in Manchester. But only one half of the match-up turned up, as Fury had “car trouble” and was a no-show. Fury is said to have broken down on the motorway, his phone battery dead. Co-promoter Mick Hennessey explained how the unfortunate circumstances were simply beyond the heavyweight champion’s control.
So what did the ex-champ, Wladimir, think of today’s events? Klitschko smiled for the cameras as he posed with a picture of Fury, but he did say some things that suggest the former champion who lost a decision to Fury last November has a feeling the rematch may not go ahead on October 29 as planned.
“Fury’s not here right now – maybe he’s invisible – but hopefully soon we will meet in the ring,” Klitschko said. “I can wait, I have enough patience. I’m looking forward to this fight and I hope eventually we will meet in the ring. We want to show the public that the fight is for real. If it doesn’t happen in October, I will wait. Eventually time will run out for the champion because he has to defend his titles.”
So is the rematch date of October 29 in jeopardy, or was Fury’s no-show either a mere mishap that was unavoidable, or was it actually yet more mind games from the unpredictable champion? Fans and media were looking forward to seeing Fury so as to gauge whether or not he is in good physical shape. Fury has tweeted recently how he is back in full and intense training. We must take Fury at his word.
But with approx just seven weeks to go until October 29, Fury had better be working hard. Today’s no-show may not mean too much, but it certainly does not allay the fears some people have over whether or not this eagerly awaited return match will actually happen as (re) scheduled.
