A fired-up Tyson Fury reverted to his old antics by shoving Oleksandr Usyk in the chest before security intervened at the weigh-in for Saturday’s super-fight in Saudi Arabia.
The two undefeated world champions will compete for the historic undisputed heavyweight title in Riyadh, with all four belts at stake.
Ukraine’s Usyk weighed in at a career-high 16st 6lb, while Fury, at 18st 7lb, came in at his lightest in over four years.
WBC champion Fury, known for his disruptive behavior during fight week events, avoided eye contact with Usyk at Thursday’s news conference but adopted a playful demeanor at the weigh-in.
After dancing onto the stage, Fury participated in the face-off, leaning his head into unified champion Usyk before pushing him back, sparking a melee between the two teams.
“I’m going to knock him right out,” Fury said, using a number of expletives.
“I’m coming for his heart. He’s getting it tomorrow, spark out. They [his team] can all get it if they want it.”
He ended the interview and stormed off the stage.
Asked what he said to provoke a reaction from Fury, Usyk said: “Don’t be afraid. I will not leave you alone tomorrow.”
Boisterous Brits cheer on slimmed down Fury
Most of the 2,500 British fans expected to attend on Saturday arrived in the Saudi capital in the morning and headed straight to the weigh-in.
Heavyweight legends such as Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, and Wladimir Klitschko were also present to watch the events unfold.
Wales’ IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina and Belfast’s Anthony Cacace successfully weighed in for their bout, along with the rest of the undercard.
Then it was time for the main event. The boisterous British fans, huddled together, jeered Usyk and erupted into chants of “there’s only one Tyson Fury” when the Gypsy King made his entrance.
The size difference has been a hot topic throughout the build-up. A bulked-up Usyk, a former cruiserweight champion, came in 10lb heavier than when he defeated Anthony Joshua in 2022. At 6ft 3in, he is giving up six inches in height to Fury, who also has a reach advantage of 85in compared to Usyk’s 78in.
Fury, 35, weighed in over a stone lighter than in his close points win over Francis Ngannou in October. Criticized for his conditioning against the boxing debutant, Fury appears to have made necessary adjustments.
Usyk, 37, and his team had previously mocked Fury by calling him “greedy belly.” This week, their insult shifted to “skinny belly.” However, there are concerns that Fury may have lost too much weight, potentially impacting his punch resistance.
Earlier in the week, Briton Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion in the three-belt era, remarked that Fury appears to have lost size in his legs, which could make him more vulnerable to being knocked down.
Comments are closed.