Tyson Fury has continued the mind games heading into Saturday’s showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, by revealing why he refused to look at his opponent during the pre-match press conference.
The two heavyweights meet in Saudi Arabia this weekend in what is one of the biggest fights in recent boxing history.
With all four belts on the line, the victor has the chance to become the division’s first heavyweight to unify the division since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.
Ahead of the bout, the two fighters participated in the final press conference, where Fury tried to get in the head of the Ukrainian by refusing to look at him during proceedings.
Throughout the press event, the Brit boxer looked straight ahead at the crowd and failed to look in Usyk’s direction.
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Tyson Fury has explained why he didn’t go face-to-face with Usyk in final press event
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The Brit boxer refused to look at his opponent Oleksandr Usyk during the press conference
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The two fighters have been involved in a dramatic build-up to the fight in Saudi Arabia
Talking to Sky Sports in the aftermath of the event, Fury was asked why he didn’t go face-to-face with his opponent, to which he jokingly replied by saying: ‘He’s a scary looking dude.’
Fury went on to say in the interview that he’s now ready for all the games and talking to stop and to get on with the fight.
Adding: ‘Yeah I’m just here to relax now and just wait until I get in the ring on Saturday night. All the talking is done, all the interviews are done, I’m just relaxed and focussed.’
He ended the quick interview by being asked when he’d be ready to switch into fight mode, stating ‘Whenever, whenever I decide to.’
The face-to-face refusal has been another slice of drama in an eventful build-up to the fight in the Middle East.
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Fury has chance to become the division’s undisputed champion if he beats the Ukrainian
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The Gypsy King gets to work in Saudi Arabia has he prepares for Saturday night’s big clash
Earlier this week, Fury’s father was involved in an altercation with a member of Usyk’s team that resulted in him head butt and saw John Fury leave the melee with blood pouring from his forehead.
There has also been complaints from some in the Ukrainians team over the ring canvass that will be used in Jeddah.
With fears that the joins in the material could be a trip hazard for the fighters – a claim that has been shot down by the man who made the canvass Mike Goodall.
