Wladimir Klitschko insists he is enjoying the opportunity to approach a fight as the challenger and says it has left him feeling younger as he prepares to take on Tyson Fury.

The 40-year-old suffered his first defeat in 11 years in Dusseldorf last November when he lost his WBA Super, WBO and IBF titles to Fury.

The Ukrainian looked out of sorts in Germany but he will get another chance after exercising his right for a rematch which has been set for July 9.

Klitschko has sacrificed his opportunity of home advantage and will travel to Manchester for the summer bout against the undefeated Fury.

The challenger insists he is still getting used to preparing for a match in a different role, as he looks to avoid complacency, while admitting it has given him an injection of energy.

Klitschko said: “I love it. I just feel younger. I feel better. Believe it or not, I’m enjoying the position I’m at right now. I’m relieved. I’m relaxed but alert.

“I want to show to myself and to my fans that I can become a champion again and can solve that challenge positively with a positive end for me.

“I never had a doubt before I made the decision and executed the option on the contract of a rematch. As a matter of fact, I’m very happy about it.

“I’m enjoying the stage and enjoying being an athlete. I know it’s not going to last forever but at the current stage, I do love what I’m doing and I do like where I’m at right now as a challenger.”