Since his victory over DaVarryl Williamson in 2004 following his TKO loss to Lamon Brewster in the same year, Tyson has not taken the role of a challenger. But on July 23 he will face Fury in a rematch for the first time in over a decade as a challenger.
Klitschko said he is motivated being the challenger this time and promised his fans an enjoyable fight in Manchester.
“I’m enjoying the stage and enjoying being an athlete. I know it’s not going to last forever but at the current stage, I do love what I’m doing and I do like where I’m at right now as a challenger,” Klitschko told Sky News.
In the build up to their first fight, Fury repeatedly said he will be victorious against Klitschko because he is 12 years younger with superior reach and height.
Fury’s prediction was exactly what happened on fight night, as Klitschko was a picture of a worn-out fighter struggling with age as Fury used his height, reach and staying power to dominate the 39-year-old heavyweight champion.
Klitschko explained that he wasn’t focused during his first encounter with Fury which caused his defeat.
“It’s simple. I was not present. My body was present but I was not present in that ring. I didn’t let my hands go. Through the years, the attitude of defending the titles is different from conquering the man that stands in front of you,” he said.
“That attitude changed after I lost. I’m happier and I have a chance to make it straight and bounce back. I feel free. I do feel less pressure and just reloaded,” he added.
“It will be a boxing match that will be so enjoyable for the fans and for me as well. I will knock Tyson Fury out,” Klitschko assured his fans.