Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk meet after weigh-ins on Friday. Photo: Getty Images/Richard Pelham
Tyson Fury fights Oleksandr Usyk Tonight he fights for the undisputed world heavyweight title and says he is not worried about his legacy as a fighter.
In an exclusive In an exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport, Fury said: “I'm not too worried about what people are going to do.
In an exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport, Fury said: say in 100 years. There won't be dust from our bones in 100 years, let alone talking about a boxing match in 100 years.”
Fury weighed in at 262 pounds on Friday, while Usyk tipped the scales at 233 pounds, career the most difficult for a Ukrainian.
The rivals nearly came to blows on the packed weigh-in stage as the Briton was greeted by a cacophony of noise. As the two fighters met for a face-off, Fury landed a headbutt on Usyk and then shoved his opponent, but they were quickly separated by security.
In the build-up to the fight, check out our pre-fight predictions from around the boxing world and read stories from three Usyk's former opponents on why he's so hard to beat.
When is the Fury vs. Usyk fight?
The undisputed heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk takes place tonight (Saturday). Ring walks are expected around 23:00 (BST).
The much-hyped fight was originally due to take place in Saudi Arabia in February but was postponed after the Briton suffered a “incredible cut” above his eye in training.
At a media event on Monday, John Fury, Tyson's father, headbutted a member of Usik’s entourage. The two fighters went head-to-head at a press conference on Thursday – or would have if Tyson Fury hadn't refused to face his Ukrainian opponent.
Where to watch Fury vs Usyk in the UK?
The fight will be available in the UK on DAZN, Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
Prices £24.95 on Sky Sports. Box office; or £24.99 for new DAZN customers (this price also includes a monthly subscription to the streaming service). For existing customers it will cost £23.99. TNT Sports Box Office is charging viewers £24.99 to watch the fight.
Is Fury vs Usyk on radio?
No. The BBC was unable to secure the broadcasting rights, despite flying to Saudi Arabia to try. Talksport is also unable to broadcast the fight due to a long-running dispute with Fury's camp. As a result, the fight will not be broadcast on UK radio.
Where will the fight take place?
The fight will take place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Both teams flew to Saudi Arabia earlier this month to begin preparations for the fight.
What's at stake?
Most importantly, for the first time since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas 25 years ago, boxing will have an undisputed heavyweight champion.
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Lewis explained why it took so long to get the undisputed match back on the agenda and why there was so little dirty talk during his time.
Fury holds the WBC belt, which he won in 2020 by defeating Deontay Wilder. He has defended the belt three times: against Wilder, Dillian Whyte and most recently Dereck Chisora.
Usyk holds the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles after defeating Anthony Joshua in 2021. He defended those titles twice: in a rematch with Joshua and most recently against Daniel Dubois.
Both Fury and Usyk have not yet lost a single defeat in their professional boxing careers. The winner will become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
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Why was the fight postponed?
The fight was moved from its original February date after Fury suffered a cut above his eye in sparring , caused by Agron Smakichi's elbow.
Leaked footage of the team sparring together showed the cut was caused by an elbow, but Smakichi insists it was accidental. “When you see the punch, I know I threw a clean punch, but the way he held my head, he pulled my head forward towards him. So maybe that's why the elbow went away too. But it was primarily a blow. It was a terrible accident.”
‼️ Now footage has appeared showing how Tyson Fury was cut with his elbow during sparring, which is why the fight of Alexander Usik was stopped. to be postponed… pic.twitter.com/dDy3e0Cv4o
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 2, 2024 Usik: My victory will be for Ukraine
Usyk says that if he wins, this could be his last fight in this division. “Maybe I’ll go back to heavyweight and win,” the former undisputed heavyweight champion said.
“I feel incredible, as good as I did at the 2012 Olympics. Just as young, energetic and with a great desire to move forward,” he added. “This is the most important fight in my career, my sports career and my sports life. I want to say that my victory is a victory for the entire Ukrainian people. And defeat is personal.
“I was worried about Tyson Fury that there might be injuries and our fight might not take place,” he added. “If he had performed, I think he deserves an Oscar. This has to happen because we have a contract. This is only Tyson Fury's problem. He signed a contract, so he will have to fight. It was an incredible journey. Now I can do anything.”
As a former heavyweight player, Usyk has a major disadvantage in height, reach and weight . Photo: Getty Images/FAYEZ NURELDINE Fury: 'I'm going to get the money, get laid and go back to Morecambe Bay'
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Fury revealed his motives for unifying the belts.
“So I'm going there to get some money, get laid and go back to Morecambe Bay.” He said. “I probably won’t even buy anything, because I don’t need anything. I'll go to the store and buy some groceries, I'll probably be stronger than I was today. I’ll do the rematch the same way, get the money, get laid, come home to Morecambe Bay and still not buy anything.”
As for his tactics, Fury confirmed that he intends to dominate the smaller man with his size and strength. “I’m going to destroy it,” he said. “I just want to beat this stupid sausage. Yes, Usyk is fast, talented, he outboxed big heavyweight Anthony Joshua twice, but AJ is one-dimensional, one-dimensional, and I could outbox him with a blindfold. I'm just different.”
During open training on Wednesday, Fury looked thinner than usual. Photo: Getty Images/FAYEZ NURELDINE Who's on the undercard?
Jai Opetayawill have a rematch against the man he defeated to become world heavyweight champion,Mairis Briedis. They will fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
Joe Cordinawill make the second defense of his IBF featherweight title and take on IBO Belfast world championAnthony Cacace< /strong>.
German heavyweight Agit Kabayel will meet with Cuban boxer Frank Sanchez.
Sergey Kovalev fights Robin Sirvan Safar in the heavyweight division.
British Mark Chamberlain will meet with >Joshua Oluwaseun Wahabat lightweight.
Isaac Lowewho is Tyson Fury's cousin challenges Hasibullah Ahmadi at featherweight.
David Nyika, a 6ft 8in Kiwi heavyweight, will take on Michael Seitz.
Heavyweight Moses Ithauma will meet with Ilya Mezentsev.
What are the chances?
- Fury will win: 4/15
- Usyk will win:1/1
- Draw:12/1
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