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BOXING: Fury v Klitschko - 5 things we learned

Yahoo's Boxing expert Chas Early asks is this end end of the road for the Klitschkos, Is Fury good for boxing and finally, good judges!

Ukraine's Wladimir Klitschko, right, and Britain's Tyson Fury exchange blows in a world heavyweight title fight for Klitschko's WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts in the Esprit Arena in Duesseldorf, western Germany, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Ukraine's Wladimir Klitschko, right, and Britain's Tyson Fury exchange blows in a world heavyweight title fight for Klitschko's WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts in the Esprit Arena in Duesseldorf, western Germany, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)


Fury was right: Klitschko was waiting to be exposed

Tyson Fury’s many pre-fight words came across to some as the ramblings of a mad-man. And yet, he was right: Klitschko was vulnerable to a good gameplan which took control away from the man Fury labelled a ‘control freak’, and probably has been for much of his 11-year undefeated streak. By dictating the pace and exploiting his superior legs, Fury left Klitschko feeling confused, uncomfortable and worried. It put him way up on the scorecards to the point that he could afford to drop a couple late on when Tyson tired and Wlad finally got desperate.

This could be the end of the Klitschkos

Vitali was badgered post-fight by Lennox Lewis about if he would come out of what the defeated champion’s brother called ‘semi-retirement’ to avenge his sibling. Vitali was non-commital. Well into his 40s, it’s likely the elder Klitschko will stay retired and focus on politics. And though Wladimir has a rematch clause in the fight contract, can anyone see him motivating himself to play the role of challenger and try to reclaim top spot after all these years. He himself turns 40 next year. We may have just seen the last Klitschko fight - not just the last of their dominance.

[BOXING: Fury stuns Klitschko to win the Heavyweight championship of the World]

[PICTURE THIS: Tyson Fury stuns Wladimir Klitschko: the fight in pictures]

Like him or hate him, Fury sells tickets

The new champion celebrated his win by singing ‘Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing’ by Aerosmith in the ring to his wife. After arriving at a press conference as Batman, dominating every verbal altercation with his opponent before the showdown and really polarising the fanbase throughout his career, it cannot be denied that Tyson Fury will be a must-watch champion, no matter how much or how little you may rate him and regardless of how long his reign lasts

Promise on a terrible undercard

This was a one-fight show. The undercard was loaded with unknown prospects with no real ‘chief support’ attraction. However, third from the top was undefeated super-featherweight from Ireland, Jono Carroll, who looked the business as he moved up to 9-0 with eight knockouts in his first decision win as a pro. Though Miguel Gonzalez of Honduras made him go the full 10 rounds, Carroll was a different class against formidable opposition at this stage of his career. Keep an eye out for him.

Maybe judges aren’t always that bad!

Everyone on these shores, from Fury himself to even the most anti-Tyson fight fans, felt that if it went 12 rounds, it would end in a decision for the champion, no matter what. In fairness, ‘hometown’ judging is something British boxers have benefitted from themselves - with Ricky Burns sticking out in one’s mind. Towards the end of the fight, many wondered if there were ANY judges who could possibly see that as a Klitschko win. Odds on a draw plummeted on betting websites as cynical spectators suspected a cop-out climax. However, the three judges ended up getting it right.