During the current era of heavyweight boxing, it is common practice for fans to describe Tyson Fury as the best fighter in the division.
However, that was not the case six years ago as the Mancunian prepared to face long-term world champion Wladimir Klitschko. While he had notable wins over Dereck Chisora, Steve Cunningham and Christian Hammer on his record, the then-27-year-old had faced no one with the credentials of the legendary Ukrainian.
The fight, staged in Dusseldorf in 2015, appeared to be in doubt earlier in the day over a dispute over the ring canvas, Klitschko's camp seemingly wanting to hinder Fury's movement in anticipation that it could put them at a disadvantage.
That is exactly what happened. Fury's team were successful in getting the canvas altered, and Tyson's movement during a contest which went the distance proved key in sealing a unanimous points win.
The clash was not one for the purists, but Fury's skill-set helped him evade Klitschko's right hand, the veteran struggling to pull the trigger. Klitschko had success in the final round, helped by a points deduction for Fury during the closing stages, but the away fighter deservedly prevailed by scores of 115-112, 115-112 and 116-111.
A rematch between the pair never materialised with Fury taking two-and-a-half years out of the ring due to mental health issues. Klitschko would instead go on to challenge Anthony Joshua in April 2017, losing to the Olympic gold medallist in a Wembley Stadium classic.
Since his return to the sport, Fury has established himself as top dog. After a controversial draw with Deontay Wilder in December 2018, Fury has since recorded seventh and 11th-round stoppages over the big-punching American, securing the WBC title and his own legacy in the process. body check tags ::
