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20th Jan 2016

Tyson Fury vs Wladimir Klitschko rematch might happen in the Middle East

Even worse news for British boxing fans...

Ben Kenyon

Money talks in boxing.

So it’s no surprise that there has been a bid from an oil-rich Middle Eastern country to host the rematch between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko.

The mandatory rematch between heavyweight world champion Fury and the Ukrainian is expected to happen in May. But now there’s wrangling over where the multi-million pound fight will be staged.

Fury-Klitscho

A contract clause reportedly states the bout must be held where it’s ‘most financially viable’ – with Bayern Munich’s 75,000-seater Allianz Arena looking more likely than Old Trafford or Wembley.

But the Daily Mirror now reports that there has been a big money bid from the United Arab Emirates to throw a spanner in the works.

The paper reports that the fight could be held 3,500 miles away in Abu Dhabi, a city which is trying to attract more top sporting events.

If this was considered the best option financially then British boxing fans would have to take the eight-hour flight to see Fury make the first defence of his title.

But the Mancunian’s uncle and trainer Peter Fury has refused to rule out any location for the clash, saying:  “Germany has been mentioned, but it could also be in England or the UAE. The UAE is being looked at and it could end up anywhere.”