It’s official – Wladimir Klitschko is taking up his option for a rematch with new world heavyweight champion of the world Tyson Fury.
Many felt that the fight on Saturday night signalled an end to the Ukrainian’s reign of domination, and that it was patently obvious to everyone – including Klitschko himself – that his powers had waned.
Not so, apparently. The veteran pugilist took to his official Instagram page to announce that he was forced a rematch in 2016, as per his contractual prerogative:
“I have a pre-Christmas gift for Tyson Fury and all boxing fans across the world. I will be making use of my contractual option for a rematch against Fury. So to say the fight of 2016 is in the making!”
Some are less than impressed after the weekend’s attritional affair…
Don't even want a @Klitschko & @Tyson_Fury rematch the last 12 rounds were painful enough
— Charlie Inman (@CharlieInman1) December 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/bendirs1/status/672091131446996992
But others can barely hide their excitement about the rematch…
https://twitter.com/Jessica_Warland/status/672102245920604164
https://twitter.com/Alunscottdavies/status/672102466482266113
Staunch Fury fans can only see the 2016 bout going one way…
So Klitschko has taken up the rematch option against Fury, I will happily see him get beaten up again. Who's gonna say I'm wrong this time?
— Jonny (@jonnyescott) December 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/JasonMcgovernn/status/672102801498087425
https://twitter.com/LesnarSupport/status/672087660635234305
Whilst Klitschko advocates feel the revenge mission may just shut Fury up for good…
I'm utterly convinced that Klitschko will beat Fury in the rematch. It's impossible for him to be as bad as in the last fight.
— Sporting Minute (@sportingminute) December 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/ErroRorschach/status/671980449460264960