Tyson Fury compares self to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Tyson Fury believes victory over Wladimir Klitschko can turn him into a "global phenomenon" on a par with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Manchester fighter is an underdog for his meeting with the Ukrainian, but thinks Klitschko lacks "doesn't rank up there with the superstars." “I think he’s taken the heavyweight champion under water a bit because he’s got no flair or flamboyancy," Fury is quoted as saying in the Manchester Evening News. "We have the Mike Tysons of the world and he’d rank with the Messis and the Ronaldos of today," he adds. "When I beat [Klitschko], I can be a global phenomenon because of my personality, my boxing style and the way I conduct myself." Fury, 27, has undoubtedly brought an element of showmanship to the title bout. He turned up to a press conference dressed as Batman, and later serenaded his opponent with a surprisingly tuneful version of Wind Beneath My Wings. The Fury-Klitschko fight takes place in Dusseldorf tonight.