RIYADH: In the weigh-in on Friday before their unified world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, British fighter Tyson Fury weighed roughly thirty pounds more than Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine.
Usyk was the highest he has ever weighed in his career at 233.5 pounds (105.9 kg), while Fury came in at 262 pounds (118.8 kg).
The match on Saturday, dubbed the “Ring of Fire,” would consolidate Fury’s WBC heavyweight title with the titles held by Usyk, one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the world, in the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO.
After the weigh-in, Fury shoved Usyk in the chest as emotions between the boxers increased. The fighters locked heads and faced off.
Fury declared, “I’m going to knock him right out.” “My goal is to win his heart.” He will receive it tomorrow. If they so want, everyone on Usyk’s team can have it.
Usyk was quick to respond.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “I will not leave you alone tomorrow.”
The highly anticipated showdown between the two unbeaten boxers was originally slated on February 17, but it was rescheduled two weeks in advance after Fury cut himself during practice.
In October, Fury faced Francis Ngannou, a former UFC fighter, in a non-title battle at 277.7 pounds. Although Ngannou won by a split decision, Fury lost the fight.