Tyson Fury’s leather jacket weighed less than four stone less than Oleksandr Usyk’s. That’s because both athletes remained fully clothed when they stood on the scale.
Fury was the heaviest of his career at 281 lbs (20 st 1 lb), while Usyk in tracksuit weighed 226 lbs (16 st 2 lb).
Unprecedented sustained staredowns the previous day had heightened anticipation ahead of the heavyweight rivals’ final pre-fight clash.
They took to the scales in surreal surroundings at a Riyadh theme park on Friday. The Ferris wheel twinkled in the night sky, spotlights illuminated the air, and the cheering screams of locals on the various rides drifted across the soundscape.
As a large crowd gathered at the outdoor event, the voices of Fury fans headed for the weigh-in.
Chants rang out for the former champion, but Fury didn’t even smile, just folded his arms and nodded to his supporters.
It was late December, 10:15 p.m. local time, and the desert night was cold. Fury was fully clothed, wearing a leather jacket and hat. He weighs 281 pounds, the heaviest he has ever been in his career, and is a much bigger man.
Usyk didn’t take either off, and at 226 pounds, he was bigger than ever.
Fury is weighing up a rematch with Usyk.
Usyk was wearing workout clothes while standing on the scale.
‘War,’ Fury said before heading for the exit.
They refused to repeat the huge staredown of the previous day. After a brief confrontation, Fury left the stage without addressing the crowd. It is said that his only word was “war.”
Perhaps that is all that needs to be said.
When asked how he felt, the Ukrainian replied, “Nothing.” “My God helped me, my family and my wife helped me (prepare).”
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‘naught’! – Usyk says after the weigh-in as promoter Frank Warren supports Fury to get a stoppage and avenge his loss in their first fight.
Teenage heavyweight Moses Itauma (249 lbs 1 oz) will look to prove his potential against world class Australian competitor Dempsey McKean (251 lbs 1 oz).
“I’m just about ready to go,” Itauma declared. “Big show, big knockout and do my job.”
David Allen walked out on stage with a smile on his face and weighed 257 lbs 6 oz. Johnny Fisher, the 241lbs 1oz ‘Romford Bull’, is competing with him for popularity and he is enjoying their fight.
“I’m ready for anything he throws at me,” Fisher said.
“I have great strength and I have a big heart. I’m going to show it all.”
But Allen said, “I really wanted to be remembered as a great person, so this is a big deal.”
Animated Isaac Lowe weighed 125 pounds, 1 ounce, while his opponent, former European champion Lee McGregor, weighed 125 pounds, 9 ounces. The two had to part ways in the fight, and McGregor laughed off the conflict.
“Now it’s time to introduce myself to the world,” McGregor said.
“We’ll see tomorrow night when he’s in bed,” Lowe responded.
Leeds’ Ishamel Davis (153lbs 6oz) received his second successive short-notice assignment against the formidable Serhii Bohachuk (153lbs 1oz).
“It means everything,” Davis said. “It’s an opportunity to build great people. That’s why I came.”
Unbeaten prospect Rhys Edwards flew in this week to replace Dennis McCann and retain former Olympian Peter McGrail.
They agreed to a super featherweight fight, with Edwards weighing 129 lbs 1 oz. McGrail weighed 129 lbs 8 oz.
Edwards explained his decision: “It was an easy choice. I’m really grateful to be here and I can’t wait to get there and get started.”
McGrail should win, but thanks Edwards for simply fighting. “I got the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage,” he said.
The stage was finally set. Undercard players will compete. Usyk and Fury are lined up for a heavyweight rematch. Three world titles are on the line and the individual fight for supremacy will be decided on Saturday night.
The massive heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury airs live on Saturday, December 21. Sky Sports Ticket Office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
