Tyson Fury shoved and swore at Oleksandr Usyk at the weigh-in on Friday as the build-up to their historic undisputed heavyweight clash exploded into life.
A shirtless Fury eyeballed the Ukrainian and then pushed him angrily, sparking a brief melee on stage, before hurling a series of F-bombs at his opponent.
“We’re ready to rock and roll, so fireworks tomorrow night. I’m going knock (him) spark out,” raged the 35-year-old Brit, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“I’m coming for his heart, that’s what I’m coming for. (Forget) his belts. I’m coming for his heart, he’s getting it tomorrow, spark out!”
Fury weighed in at 262 pounds (118.8 kilos), more than 15lb lighter than his last outing, while Usyk was 233.5lb, significantly heavier than his customary 221lb.
Ukraine’s Usyk, when asked what he had said to Fury, replied: “Don’t be afraid, I won’t leave you tomorrow.”
He said he was able to remain so calm “because that’s my plan. If I’m nervous, I won’t win”.
On Saturday, the two undefeated fighters will contest the first undisputed heavyweight clash since 1999, looking to walk away with all four major belts.
Earlier this week in Riyadh, Fury’s father John headbutted a member of Usyk’s entourage and was seen with blood streaming down his face from a wound on his forehead.
But both fighters were taciturn during the final press conference on Thursday, with Fury promising to pray for Usyk and the Ukrainian scribbling down a poem.
Fury tipped the scales at a bulky 277.7lb against MMA convert Francis Ngannou in October, when he looked sluggish and was knocked down before winning a split decision.
The “Gypsy King” was 247lb for his biggest victory to date, upsetting Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. His career-lightest weight was 245.5lb for Vinny Maddalone in 2012.
Usyk, a former cruiserweight, had previously been remarkably consistent during his heavyweight career, weighing in at 221lb for his 2021 and 2022 wins over Anthony Joshua and 220lb against Daniel Dubois last year.
