Klitschko vs Fury: Details of Tyson Fury's problems with gloves chosen by Wladimir Klitschko
Tuesday 24 November 2015 19:55, UK
A storm is brewing ahead of Saturday's world heavyweight title fight in Dusseldorf where Tyson Fury is on the warpath over the gloves chosen by Wladimir Klitschko.
The Mancunian challenger (24-0-KO18) has complained that the training gloves issued to him by sports equipment providers Paffen are damaging his thumb and is demanding a pair that fit more comfortably ahead of this weekend's Sky Sports Box Office showdown.
So what are the issues surrounding this row?
The problem stems initially from Klitschko's insistence on a clause in the fight contract allowing him to choose his preferred German-made Paffen gloves for the bout. Fury expressed surprise at the WBA Super, IBF and WBO champion's decision to overlook gloves made by Reyes, considered 'puncher's gloves.'
Having struggled with thumb problems caused by the first set of training gloves provided by Paffen, Fury says that two weeks ago he was sent a second pair that he found more comfortable. Despite agreeing to wear the second design on fight night, he now claims to have been told Paffen may not be able to produce a brand new pair in time for Saturday.
Paffen gloves are generally more heavily padded than Fury's preferred gloves, which are made by Reyes. With Klitschko's knockout ratio superior to Fury's, the champion's decision to stick to gloves that dampened impact on connection raised eyebrows.
The reinforced, rigid thumb design of the Paffen gloves is aimed at providing greater support but decreases flexibility and, according to Fury, immediately began to cause him injury when he threw punches in them.
Reyes, meanwhile, are more flexible gloves due to the decreased padding - offering less protection for the hand but increasing the effects of impact. The thumb is able to move more fluently, allowing the fighter to form a tighter fist.
This time last year, Klitschko stopped the previously-unbeaten Kubrat Pulev, who also complained of the gloves issued to him by the champion's team ahead of the fight.
The matter is now expected to rumble on until Friday's pre-fight rules meeting, by which time Paffen are expected to have provided a pair made to Team Fury's satisfaction.
Wladimir Klitschko vs Tyson Fury, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office on November 28, is now available to order via the phone and online.
