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Fury-Klitschko Rematch Getting Closer

Fury/Klitschko Rematch Details Getting Close

Trainer Peter Fury has said negotiations for a blockbuster rematch between his nephew Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko in the UK in July are nearing completion.

Fury handed Klitschko his first defeat in over 11 years last November when he won the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles by unanimous decision in Dusseldorf.

The two camps have been in discussions regarding a rematch for months, with the UAE emerging as a surprise contender to stage the fight, but it now appears likely to take place in the United Kingdom.

When asked if a date has been agreed, Peter Fury told boxing site Behind The Gloves: "July is looking favourite now and hopefully it will be in the UK.

"It all looks to be heading in the right direction. Mick Hennessy [Fury's promoter] is working with Team Klitschko around the clock.

"The Klitschkos are happy to come to England provided it makes sense obviously so that is what they are working on and I fully expect an announcement in April. We are not far off announcing it."

Fury was stripped of the IBF world title in December for his refusal to face mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov.

Anthony Joshua (15-0-KO15) will have the opportunity to win that title at London's O2 Arena on 9 Apri when he takes on champion Charles Martin (23-0-1-KO21), who defeated Glazkov in January to claim the vacant belt.

Joshua enters the fight as favourite on home soil, but Peter Fury is tipping the more experienced Martin to upset the odds against the Olympic gold medallist.

"I think it is a tall order for a guy that has got 15 fights," Fury said. "Looking at Joshua, he has got a lot to learn in there still.

"It is too early, but on the other hand it is for the IBF championship. He has got a massive punch which gives him as good a chance as anybody because he can just catch him.

"We don't know what Charles Martin is really like. Again, he is untested, but I like what I am seeing of Martin. I'd give him the edge on experience and he seems to be a little bit cuter with his boxing. He is very relaxed as well.

"I would have to favour Martin in it, but is it the right fight for Joshua to take? Yes. Would I have taken that fight in their position? Yes I would because you have to take a fight for a world title.

"On pay-per-view, who else can they get for Joshua? He might as well fight for the IBF and fight somebody else who is just as much of a risk."

WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder looms as a potential opponent for Tyson Fury if he successfully defends his titles in the rematch against Klitschko.

First, however, the American must win a tricky fight in Russia against Alexander Povetkin on 21 May, but that is a test Peter Fury expects Wilder to pass with flying colours.