(Riyadh) Briton Tyson Fury shoved and insulted his opponent, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk during the traditional weigh-in on Friday, on the eve of their historic clash between undefeated heavyweight champions in Riyadh.
Arriving on the weigh-in stage, Fury, shirtless and backwards cap, walked towards the Ukrainian and pushed him with his head and arms, triggering a brief melee between the two clans, before throwing him direct a series of insults.
“We’re ready for rock and roll, so the fireworks are tomorrow night. I’m going to knock him out,” said the 35-year-old Briton, to the applause of the crowd in the Saudi capital.
PHOTO YASSER AL-UMARI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk
“I come to look for his heart, that’s what I come to look for. (Forget) his belts. I’m coming for his heart, he’ll see tomorrow, I’ll put it out! “, he trumpeted.
On the scale, Fury weighed 118.8 kg, almost 7 kg less than his last fight, while Usyk, who gained muscle mass, weighed 105.9 kg, significantly more than his usual 100 kg .
Ukrainian Usyk, when asked what he had said to Fury, replied: “Don’t be afraid, I won’t leave you tomorrow.”
Holder of the WBA, WBO, IBF belts, he said he was able to keep his cool “because that’s my plan.” If I’m nervous, I won’t win.”
On Saturday, the two undefeated pugilists will contest the first undisputed heavyweight fight since 1999 and will attempt to walk away with the four main belts.
This clash of the titans was launched in Riyadh on Monday, when Fury’s father John headbutted a member of Usyk’s entourage and left his face bloodied.
The “Gypsy King” remains in a poorly controlled fight against Francis Ngannou, MMA star converted to English boxing, which he won by split decision after being sent to the mat during the third round.
Usyk, a former light heavyweight champion, won his three heavyweight titles by beating Briton Anthony Joshua in 2021 and 2022. He remains on a victorious defense against another Briton Daniel Dubois last year.