Fury at 262lbs (18th 10lbs) was significantly lighter for this contest than his last fight, when he came in at a career-high for his non-title bout with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in October.
At the final press conference the previous day Fury had declined to make eye contact with Usyk, denying him a staredown. This time he backed down from nothing, rounding on Usyk and shoving him. They could not face off for much longer as the two fighters and their entourages had to be separated.”We’re ready to rock and roll. Fireworks tomorrow night,” Fury said on the stage.
“I’m going to knock this little f***** spark out. I’m coming for his heart, that’s what I’m coming for.
“F*** his belts, I’m coming for his f***ing heart. He’s getting it tomorrow, spark out.
“F*** him and f*** all of his team too. F*** the lot of them. They can all get it if they want to, s***houses!”
Usyk was composed after their clash. He didn’t sound intimidated in the least.
He had a last message for Fury too: “Don’t be afraid…”
So much is on the line in this fight.
The undisputed heavyweight champion has historically been one of the most famous men in the world. That prize is on offer to the winner of this fight, it comes along with supremacy in boxing’s most important division.
This bout is all the more significant as, at long last, it will decide the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt ruler and the first sole heavyweight king since Lennox Lewis held that status 25 years ago.
Lewis, as well as great heavyweight champions Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, and Wladimir Klitschko, were all in attendance just for this way.