The Sunday Mail
Tyson Fury’s world heavyweight championship rematch with Wladimir Klitschko will take place in the Manchester Arena on July 9.
Complications regarding the availability of Old Trafford have deprived Fury of his dream of boxing in the home of his beloved Manchester United.
The securing of the UK television rights comes as another major coup for BoxNation boss Frank Warren within days of out-bidding Sky for the screening of Amir Khan’s super-fight in Las Vegas against Mexican star Canelo Alvarez on May 7.
The contract for the reprise of Fury’s sensational winning of Klitschko’s long-held multiple world titles in Dusseldorf dictated that it must take place wherever it would make most money.
Fury, although willing to return to Germany this summer, was hopeful he could bring the Ukrainian to England.
His preference was for Old Trafford, in front of a 70,000 crowd.
The Gypsy King still has his Manchester advantage but has settled for the 20,000 Arena, which will be quickly sold out.
The protracted negotiations represent a success, also, for his promoter Mick Hennessy who has shown deep compassion for another of his fighters, Nick Blackwell, in recovery from brain damage.
Fury and Klitschko’s original fight took place at the ESPRIT arena in Dusseldorf, which held 55,000
Other Manchester venues mentioned that were contenders included the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, which has a 65,000 capacity, or Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, which holds 55,000.
Fury revealed his desire to fight at the stadium of the club he supports in December 2013, when the Manchester United fan said: ‘If I could choose anywhere in the world to fight one day, it would definitely be Old Trafford. I’ve always said that is my biggest dream.
“I would like to fight Wladimir Klitschko here so hopefully we can sort it.
I’d like to fight one of the Klitschkos so hopefully we can get them over to England.
“Where better than Old Trafford to make that big fight happen?” he said.
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