Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s weigh-in turned chaotic when Fury angrily shoved Usyk and swore at him.
The scene erupted on stage, leading to a brief scuffle before Fury yelled more insults at Usyk on Friday.
Without his shirt, Fury glared at Usyk before pushing him and shouting, “We’re ready to rock and roll, so fireworks tomorrow night. I’m going knock (him) spark out!”
Fury, 35, who is from Britain, got loud cheers from the crowd as he continued, “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!”
Fury weighed in at 118.8 kg (262 pounds), which is 6.8 kg (15 pounds) lighter than his last fight. Usyk weighed 105.9 kg (233.5 pounds), heavier than his usual 100.2 kg (221 pounds).
When asked what he told Fury, Usyk replied, “Don’t be afraid, I won’t leave you tomorrow.”
Usyk remained calm, saying it was part of his plan because being nervous would hurt his chances of winning.
Both Fury and Usyk are undefeated in their professional boxing careers, but this will change for one of them on Saturday night in Riyadh.
Promoter Frank Warren called it the “most important fight of the 21st century,” highlighting that it features the two best heavyweights, both undefeated. He said, “This is something special. Fights like (this) come along once in a generation.”
Opinions are divided on who will win. Some believe the taller, street-smart Fury will triumph, while others back Usyk for his skills and fitness.
Former champion Lennox Lewis thinks Fury will win on points due to his size and movement. However, Tony Bellew, who fought Usyk, warned, “He is the purest and best boxer Fury will ever face in his life.”
In the final news conference on Thursday, both fighters were calm. Fury said he would pray for Usyk, while Usyk wrote a poem.
Fury weighed more in his fight against Francis Ngannou in October, at 125.9 kg (277.7 pounds), where he looked slow and was knocked down but still won by split decision. His lightest weight was 111.3 kg (245.5 pounds) in 2012.
Usyk, a former cruiserweight, has been consistent in his heavyweight career, usually weighing around 100.2 kg (221 pounds).
His training is known for being intense, including long swims, holding his breath for over four minutes, and juggling six coins to show his quick reflexes.
With both fighters being highly skilled, the winner may be decided by who can stay smart and adapt during the 12-round fight.
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