London - Wladimir Klitschko said Monday he is desperate to regain the world heavyweight title in a rematch against Tyson Fury on October 29 in Manchester.
“It is not a fight, it is a revenge,” the 40-year-old Klitschko told a news conference in London, saying he is obsessed with claiming a convincing victory to “get my belts back.”
Fury dethroned Klitschko after 11 years as world champion in November 2015, capturing the WBO, WBA and IBF titles on points. The rematch was originally scheduled for July but postponed owing to a ankle injury Fury sustained.
The Briton Fury did not attend Monday's news conference, with his management stating his car broke down.
His coach and uncle Peper Fury took his place and named the chances “50-50 in Manchester. Tyson is the best heavyweight boxer in the world.”
Klitschko was undeterred by Fury's absence, saying: “Regardless whether he comes by bicycle or by any other means, the main thing is that he shows up on time for the fight.”
SAPA - dpa