Wladimir Klitschko has promised to gain revenge for his defeat to Tyson Fury by knocking him out in their rematch at the Manchester Arena on July 9.

The 40-year-old Ukrainian suffered a shock points’ defeat at the hands of Fury in Dusseldorf on November 28 to end his long reign as world heavyweight champion stretching back 11 years.

Klitschko, who has only suffered four defeats in 64 professional fights, admitted that he made a mistake in his first meeting with the British fighter, but felt defeat will be good for him and he has vowed to rectify the situation when they go head-to-head.

Fury’s comments about homosexuals and women have also added extra fuel to Klitschko’s burning desire to get his hands back on the WBA ‘Super’ and WBO titles. He said: “It’s definitely something that affects the sweet science. I would like to see boxing as a sweet science with a good image that everybody can follow, get into the ring, be an athlete and be respectful.”

Looking ahead to putting the record straight Klitschko added: “After a while, you get used to defending and not conquering the man in front of you. It will be different on 9 July. It’s not a rematch, it’s revenge.”

He added: “I will knock Tyson Fury out. I will not lose my words here. I will knock Tyson Fury out. Period.”

Klitschko is 1.91 to win the fight and is 4.00 to win via a stoppage. Fury is 1.95 to win the fight and 2.75 to repeat his points’ victory from November.