Britain's Tyson Fury beats Wladimir Klitschko to claim world heavyweight titles

Fury won on points to claim the world heavyweight titles Credit: Reuters

Tyson Fury is the new heavyweight champion of the world having beaten Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf's ESPRIT Arena.

The British fighter won on points, baffling Klitschko with a stylish, measured performance.

Fury utilised his height and youth perfectly to earn a superb win with scores of 115-112 twice and 116-111.

The result was the first loss for 39-year-old Klitschko in 11 years, while Fury, the self-styled 'Gypsy King', improved his record to 25-0 and now has the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts.

"You're a great champion Vlad, thanks very much for having me," said Mancunian Fury, moments after his win was announced.

"It was all fun and games in the build-up, I just wanted to be confident, young and brash."

He then burst into a rendition of Aerosmith's hit ballad I Don't Want To Miss A Thing, dedicating it to his wife and his fans in Ireland, the UK, the US and Germany.

Fury had brashly said he expected an 'easy fight' Credit: Reuters

As the event got under way, Fury, who had brashly said he expected an "easy fight", looked relaxed as a sizeable travelling army of supporters cheered his walk to the ring.

At the first bell he ran across the ring towards Klitschko. An early right hook nearly landed as the pair fenced with each other.

The second was just as cagey but Fury, feinting constantly, landed a couple of half-decent left hooks which arguably won him the round.

A Klitschko right hand in the fifth was arguably the best punch of the fight at that stage.

He landed another two in the ninth, but Fury dealt with it well, landing a big left hook in return.

The result was the first loss for 39-year-old Klitschko in 11 years Credit: Reuters

The Ukrainian landed a thudding one-two in the 11th as opinion among observers differed as to whom was winning.

Fury began the 12th aggressively and a left hook hurt Klitschko and chants of "Fury, Fury" rang out.

Klitschko landed a ferocious right hand again but Fury shook it off well as the fight finally caught fire. Fury was hurt by another, however, but held on for the final bell.

Both men claimed victory but when the scores were announced it was Fury's moment of glory.