Wladimir Klitschko vs Tyson Fury

I likely risk being labelled an old fart for pointing that that boxing isn't what it was 'in my day' but there's something to that. We really don't see all that many 'fight nights' worth staying in for. There aren't many big name bouts to speack of nor an awful lot of characters in boxing now. Tyson Fury certainly ticks that last box though. Depending on your point of view, he likely falls somewhere between a character and a nutcase, what with his karaoke moments and often bizarre outbursts. In terms of character, he's quite the opposite of Klitschko in almost every way.

Of course none of the theatrics matter once you're in the ring and of the two fighters Klitschko clearly has far more going for him. In terms of his record and boxing ability, other than questioning how exciting he is to watch, Klitschko is a formidable opponent and the few blips he's experienced in his career happened over a decade ago now. Fury, although undefeated has not fought a tremendous amount of what I'd call top flight fighters so could be in for a shock come Saturday 28th. On the plus side for him, he matches his oppoent in stature.

As he was in July, Klitschko is 1-4 to win the fight, which is about right in my view. He's not going to make it easy for Fury to get past his guard and is an intelligent fighter. If Tyson does get through though, he has a puncher's chance as Klitschko's main weakness from the past is that on the rare occasions he does get caught, he's not quick to recover. There's not much value in betting at 1-4 really so I would be tempted to go for Wladimir Klitschko by KO, TKO or Disqualification at Evens. I don't think it'll go the distance as I see Fury going all guns blazing in the early and middle rounds in an all or nothing approach.

This is Fury's chance to get his hands on the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles so I in no way undermine his determination and focus, but I do believe he's got his work cut out.

Selection: Wladimir Klitschko by KO, TKO or Disqualification at Even Money

Wladimir Klitschko vs Tyson Fury Thoughts

How have you been? I've been sat here desperately trying to avoid writing about Big Brother for TellyBetting since I only like the Celebrity version. Well that and comparing online casinos at thecasinodb.com following a recent barmstorming real life performance on the roulette in Nottingham. Anyway, on to a match up that's slightly more interesting than whatshisface vs whatsherface in a no doubt riveting BB final, namely Wladimir Klitschko vs Tyson Fury.

It's pretty early to be looking at this now official match-up between Klitschko and Fury (the fight is set for 24^th October). Betting odds are available though and this is boxing after all, so I'd rather get my fight thoughts in before the inevitable postponement of the bout due to a broken fingernail or the like. I jest of course since regardless of your opinion of these two, they aren't the type to duck out of a match up.

To be honest, I'm looking forward to the run up almost as much as the fight itself. Klitschko has little to prove at this point in his career so usually lets the other fighter make a fool of himself mostly before, but sometimes also during and after the fight. God only knows what that could lead to during the fight promotions since Tyson Fury, is on occasion, 'as mad as a box of frogs'. Who can forget the time, when after winning a bout, he was handed a microphone and proceeded to break into song. He has form for this of course, having sang Bette Midler's 'Wind beneath my wings' at a post fight press conference after defeating Kevin Johnson. You can't make this stuff up. Anyway on to the fight.

Current odds see Klitschko at around 1/4 to win the bout, with Fury at 7/2 and the draw 30-1 with some bookmakers. This is unsurprising when you factor in that Klitschko is undefeated in over a decade against the best the division has to offer (admittedly is doesn't always have much to offer!). Granted Fury is unbeaten too, but he's only made a step up in class over his last few fights. We also have to realise that we tend to overestimate the chances of our domestic fighters in big fights.

In Fury's favour, Klitschko gets to take on someone who, for a change, more than matches him in stature, and who can certainly throw a punch. Fury at least knows what he has to do here, as the fight is to be held away from home in Germany so the prospect of him winning on points just doesn't seem all that likely to me. It's an all or nothing fight for him and I definitely see him at least attempting to go for the knockout. In doing so he may get exposed. Will he get picked apart at this level, against a fighter who, while not 'fun' to watch, is technically minded and has been there, done that and got the t-shirt?

I'm not the biggest fan of betting on odds-ons, so 1/4 doesn't really appeal. I'm more inclined to go with Wladimir Klitschko by KO, TKO or Disqualification at 5/4 with a small cover bet on the same for Tyson Fury at 6-1. It's not a fight I see going the distance, and I rate the experience and consistency of Klitschko over the punchers chance of Fury.