Heavyweights Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury today came head-to-head at a press conference in Dusseldorf months before they fight for the heavyweight championship of the world on October 24.

In what was a fun and light-hearted initial press conference, both men outlined their reasons for thinking they’ll triumph at the ESPRIT arena later this year and Fury, the challenger, was typically boisterous and colourful in his approach.

“It’s a personal mission for me to rid boxing of a boring person like you,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m not interested in all the titles and all those belts you’ve got on there. I’m interested in breaking your face in. That’s what I’m interested in.

“Your jab-and-grab style means that surely all of Europe wants to see you get beaten and all of Europe and the rest of the world will see you get beaten. You have about as much charisma as my underpants. Zero. None.”

Fury continued: “The first time I met you face to face was in your training camp in Austria in 2010. I left with pure confidence. You’re nothing. Remember that. You are nothing and you are getting knocked out.”

Champion Klitschko, meanwhile, unbeaten in the last eleven years, said, “I believe Tyson Fury is really meaning what he’s talking about. He’s definitely not coming here on October 24 to be present and on the canvas. No, he’s here to win the championship.

“At the end of the day, it is going to be the fight. That speaks louder than any other action and any words.”