BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury v Wladimir Klitschko: who will win?

Here are some predictions ahead of the Dusseldorf pay-per-view showdown...

David Morris MP:

“I wish Tyson all the best. I really do hope that he wins. And I wouldn’t be surprised if he does.”

Joe Calzaghe, former world super middleweight champion

“Fury is the underdog. Klitschko has been the champion for a few years and this is a big step up for him.

But Fury is big and Klitschko’s not used to fighting someone his size. If Fury can stop Klitschko grabbing and avoid that big right hand, he’s got a chance. When it comes to the heavyweight division, and you’re a big guy, it only takes one punch.”

Frank Harrington, Morecambe boxing trainer, promoter and ex-pro fighter:

“I’d love Tyson to win. He looks the leanest he’s ever looked. With Klitschko, the way he boxes, one-two, grabs hold, I’d love Tyson to finish him. And Fury is elusive. I think if it goes to points Klitschko will get it. But I’m going to stick my neck out. Fury to win in the seventh round.”

Lee Woodruff, former pro boxer from Morecambe

“I think Tyson will come on strong in the second half of the fight with his fitness and stop Klitschko late on. But he has to avoid the big Klitschko right hand in the first three or four rounds.”

Anthony Joshua, heavyweight contender

“It will be a great fight and it’s brilliant for boxing both in Britain and on a world stage.

“Tyson and Wladimir are two very different personalities which makes it even more interesting for the neutral. The result is difficult to call, both have knock outs on their record and anything can happen in heavyweight boxing.

“The fight will be action packed right from round one. I think Fury will come out with nothing to lose, his style is to throw a lot of punches but ultimately I think Klitschko’s class will shine through and he will win.”

Carl Froch, former world super middleweight champion

“The general consensus is that Klitschko is going to do the business, probably on points. But Fury brings something different to the table because he is big, he is tall, he is heavy, he is physically strong and Klitschko has not been in with anybody as big and heavy as him of late.

“Fury’s tactics should be to close the distance, get near to him, rough him up, try and bully him and stick the nut on him if he has to. He needs to make it a brawl.

“Fury needs to rip up the script, get in his face, lean on him and let him know how much he wants it. He is over 10 years younger than him, so he has got youth on his side. Klitschko is 39 years old and, if he is made to work, he may just fall apart.”

Julius Francis, former British Heavyweight Champion

“Tyson Fury is a very good boxer, he’s very good at what he does as far as fighting is concerned. He can switch to southpaw; he’s won fights as a southpaw which is not easy as an orthodox fighter.

“He’s got good skill, but I just think in this instance, against this opponent, and the way that Klitschko has seemed so focused and so one-directional, I don’t think that Tyson can pull it off.”

Glenn McCrory, former world cruiserweight champion and Sky Sports pundit

“It’s been a long time since Corrie Sanders and those guys but if Klitschko gets hit with a big shot, he’s going to panic. That’s what he does. When he’s in trouble, he’s not a great survivor. He’s fallen apart before and he knows that - that’s why we never see him in trouble.

“The only way Klitschko can get to Fury is with his fists. He can get to him by keeping a cool head, not panicking and keeping his boxing as precise as usual. If Fury gets to him and Klitschko becomes negative, giving the challenger a chance to get to him early, then I think we could have a massive upset.”

Lester Crabtree, stand-up comedian and music promoter from Carnforth

“I hope for home soil reasons that Fury wins but he has a tall order not only as Klitschko is a good fighter but it is very difficult to get a decision in Germany. If Fury is going to win he’ll have to knock out Wladimir.”

Paul Fielding, boxing trainer from Lancaster

“I hope and pray Tyson is too much of a handful for Klitschko. I hope Tyson’s age plays a part. He’s younger and fitter and the most unorthodox boxer Klitschko will have ever faced. Tyson has to win by KO because he won’t get a points decision over there, so Tyson to win by KO round 8.”

Stuart Michaels, Morecambe singer

“I would love to see Tyson do it but I have a feeling Klitschko will win via knock out in the sixth or seventh round.”