Tyson Fury is threatening to withdraw from his heavyweight championship bout with Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday after a disagreement over gloves.
The British boxer rejected the first set of gloves suggested by Klitschko as Fury said their design would likely dislocate his thumb. After accepting the second design, the Ukrainian champion’s camp are now saying the new pair might not be ready in time for Saturday’s showdown.
“They sent me some gloves over, which Wladimir had asked for, and they had giant thumbs which were about two or three inches bigger than normal so that the thumb is sticking out,” said Fury.
“Every time I was punching with them, my thumb was nearly breaking,” explained Fury.
“We phoned the guys there and they sent me another style with normal thumbs, which seemed to be OK. But then they said ‘Oh, it’s going to be a struggle to make these gloves in time’.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s mind games or genuine. If there are no gloves, I’m not fighting, am I? If they don’t get me the right gloves, I will not fight. Simple.
“If I get the gloves with the big thumbs, it’s a no-go area. I’m not fighting in them because even if I throw a jab, I’m going to dislocate my thumb.”
