Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko have exchanged some eye-opening words ahead of their highly-anticipated heavyweight world title showdown in October.

Fury, nicknamed ‘The Gypsy King’, attempted to antagonise the reigning IBF, WBA and WBO champion at a press conference in Germany.

While initially appearing in a playful spirits, Fury quickly turned aggressive as he launched a scathing attack at the veteran boxing great.

When Klitschko asked Fury how he felt about fighting for the world heavyweight championship for the first time, the 26-year-old said: “’It is my mission to rid boxing of you because you’re a boring old man. You have as much charisma as my underpants.

“You’re a wrinkled old man with a glass chin and I am going to make that glass explode like a bottle hitting a wall.”

The bout, on October 24 in Dusseldorf, will take Klitschko to 28 world-title fights in his prolific career – just one short of Joe Louis – but Fury belittled the significance of the record and denounced the Ukrainian’s place in the boxing hall of fame.

“Are you greater than Louis, Ali, Frazier, Holmes? I think not. You’ve just fought bums well selected for you by your management,” he added.

Klitschko, 39, appeared unfazed by Fury’s language and remained composed when posed questions by the German press.

“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,” he said.

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

-

Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @Joy997FM. Our hashtag is #JoySports