Tyson Fury misses his own press conference with Klitschko

The first press conference for the refixed rematch between heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko took place this afternoon – minus the World champion.

Former Irish champion Fury was a no-show at the event in London and a broken-down car and an empty phone battery were the reasons cited for the Manchester-born fighter’s absence.

Mick Hennessey stressed that it was not a publicity stunt, stating: “Apologies for Tyson not attending. All we know at this stage, because his battery is dead, is that he’s had problems with traffic and the car he was in broke down.”

“Tyson is normally early for press conferences and he’s the most entertaining person at press conferences worldwide. This is not the norm and we’re not making it up.”

Deposed Ukrainian heavyweight king Klitschko saw the funny side and joked that “I wouldn’t have been surprised if Tyson Fury had turned up and sung a song, so I’m not surprised he hasn’t turned up at all.”

Fury and Klitschko were initially scheduled to rematch on June 9th at the Manchester Arena, but the fight was postponed due to a severely sprained ankle sustained by the champion. The refixed date will now take place, live on Boxnation TV and Boxnation Box Office, on Saturday October 29th at the same venue.