The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Fury vs Usyk 2 LIVE: Latest news and weigh-in updates as as camps engage in dispute over judges
We are just one day away from the biggest rematch of the year, as Tyson Fury bids to avenge his first loss – against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is just one day away, as the Briton aims to claim the unified heavyweight titles – seven months after suffering his first professional loss, against the Ukrainian.
In May, Usyk won a split decision against Fury to become the division’s first undisputed champion in 24 years. Now, the pair return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Usyk defends the gold against the “Gypsy King” – minus the IBF belt, which he vacated in spring.
Fury fought impressively in May, leading the fight after the midway stage, but a phenomenal rally from Usyk secured victory, keeping the former cruiserweight king unbeaten. Usyk, 37, even came close to stopping Fury, 36, in round nine, and will take great confidence from that in Saturday’s rematch.
But there was little to take from Wednesday’s open workouts, where Fury laced up his gloves but threw zero punches. That said, his coach Sugarhill Steward did drop some news: that Fury’s father John will not be in the Gypsy King’s corner this time around.
Then, on Thursday, the press conference brought a ridiculous, 12-minute face-off between Fury and Usyk, who both refused to back down despite attempts from WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and others.
Follow all the build-up to Usyk vs Fury 2, ahead of Friday’s weigh-in at 6pm GMT, below. You can watch the fight live on DAZN this weekend. (We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.)
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Fury has insisted he is motivated by money not legacy, with a lucrative showdown against Anthony Joshua still firmly on his radar.
Whatever the outcome against Usyk on Saturday, Fury believes there will always be appetite for a domestic clash with Joshua, even though his rival’s star has waned after a crushing fifth-round knockout by Daniel Dubois.
Fury was ringside at Wembley to watch Joshua’s dramatic defeat in September, and he was caught on camera saying: “That’s cost me £150m, the silly c***.”
Fury has insisted he meant what he said.
“Of course I did. We would have had a two-fight deal lined up for a s*** ton of money. Unfortunately doors open, doors close. Does it really matter if he has another loss or not? It doesn’t matter. It’s still a big fight.
“Even if he goes in against Dubois and he gets knocked out again – which he would – that doesn’t mean it’s a s*** fight now. It’s still a great fight. It’s a great fight that we all want to see.”
More here:
Tyson Fury reveals status of Anthony Joshua showdown ahead of Usyk rematch
Furyfaces a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Saturday
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Fury claims he’s been away from his wife Paris and cut off communication with his family entirely, while focusing on his rematch with Usyk.
“I’ve not spoken to Paris for three months,” Fury told TNT Sports. “Not a word, not spoke to anyone, not been on my phone, I’ve been away from it all. I just wanted to give myself the best opportunity I can.
“I don’t want to keep dividing modes from beast mode, to Dad mode, wife mode, I’ve not spoken to anybody on the phone, that’s it. I’ve just been in the camp the whole time. It’s difficult to keep switching. I’ve not spoken to anybody on the phone. Anybody who has called me has not been successful in getting hold of me in the last couple of months.
“I give up coffee for seven or eight weeks, Diet Cokes for the same amount of time, I don’t think it matters. I’ve taken vitamins for 12 months, came off them for 12 months, didn’t feel anything. I don’t think any of it makes a difference, not having certain things or doing certain things. It’s the goal for the individual to achieve.
“Just be happy and that’s all you can do. The hardest thing in the world is to stay in the moment. Not push for more or want more. Everybody is always pushing for more. Even I’m pushing for more, everybody is.”
More here:
Tyson Fury hasn’t spoken to wife Paris ‘in three months’ while training for Usyk
The Briton is attempting to become a two-time heavyweight world champion in the rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday and has not spoken to his wife Paris throughout his training camp
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
The heavyweight rematch between Fury and Usyk will feature scoring from a fourth ‘judge’ powered by artificial intelligence.
Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced the implementation of the AI judge in a post on X, adding that it is an “experiment” which “won’t impact the official results”.
“For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight”, said the post. “Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring. This groundbreaking experiment, which won’t impact the official results, debuts during the biggest fight of the century.”
The announcement is sure to split opinion in a sport that has long been affected by controversial judges’ decisions, with some fans on social media welcoming the decision.
More here:
Fury v Usyk to include ‘AI-powered’ fourth judge
The announcement was made by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Yesterday’s press conference followed Wednesday’s open workouts.
They, too, were intriguing, as Fury laced up his gloves but refused to throw a single punch... before Usyk shadow boxed and danced around the ring.
There was some major news, though: Fury’s head coach, Sugarhill Steward, claimed that the boxer’s father, John, has been axed from their corner team...
More here:
Tyson Fury carries out baffling open workout as Oleksandr Usyk dances in ring
Despite donning his gloves, Fury threw zero punches on Wednesday, ahead of his rematch with Usyk
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Welcome back to our Usyk vs Fury 2 fight-week blog! It feels slightly surreal to say, but fight night is tomorrow...
A huge rematch in Saudi Arabia, as Fury tries to avenge his sole professional loss and take the unified heavyweight belts from Usyk.
At 5pm GMT today, we’ll have the weigh-in, but first, let’s take a look at what happened at yesterday’s press conference.
Little was said before Fury and Usyk faced off for TWELVE, WHOLE, MINUTES.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk engage in tense 12-minute staredown at press conference
Both champion and challenger were tight-lipped at the event, before sharing a remarkably long face-off
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Closing remarks from Fury and Usyk.
Fury: “Can’t wait for Saturday night, thank you everybody involved. God bless.”
Usyk: “Don’t be afraid, [Tyson]. I will not leave you alone. See you on Saturday.”
Usyk repeating his words from before their first fight, there.
The fighters share a long, long, long, long face-off. Intense stuff.
It’s been five minutes, and they’re still staring each other in the eye!
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman arrives at the seven-minute mark to try to separate the boxers. No luck.
Nine minutes gone now, and the rivals have started talking. Fury, as you’d expect, is doing most of the barking.
Ten minutes gone, and some bodies are trying to take Fury away. He’s having none of it.
At 12 minutes, they FINALLY separate! Wow...
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Usyk welcomes the crowd. Nothing of much note said by the Ukrainian yet, as his promoter Krassyuk interprets for him.
Fury’s promoter Warren says: “The first fight was magnificent, it was a great fight. It had everything, very close fight. This time around, I know these guys have shared the ring for 12 rounds, they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“It’s gonna be about who can exploit the weaknesses. I believe Tyson Fury will come through this, and I don’t think this fight goes the distance [...] Do not blink after the first bell.”
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Fury: “I’m gonna dish out a whole lot of pain. I’m gonna put this f***er in the hurt locker for sure.”
He sounds serious...
“I’ve got nothing to say apart from there’s gonna be a whole lot of hurt and pain in this fight – you watch.
“The first fight I talked, I joked – my whole career [I did that].”
Not this time, he says.
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Fury is out first, wearing a black hat and a white suit with flowers patterned across it.
Now here comes Usyk, whose arrival is heralded by the Ukrainian singer who performed at yesterday’s open workouts.
Usyk, the defending champion, is wearing a purple suit with the outlines of gold beasts on the front.
Dev Sahni arrives to host the press conference.
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Okay, a lot of familiar faces are now sat at two tables up on the stage.
We’ve got promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren sharing a laugh (old foes, now friends!), and Fury’s manager Spencer Brown.
Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas is also present, as is Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk.
Johnny Fisher and his opponent Dave Allen are up there; fellow heavyweights Moses Itauma and his opponent Demsey McKean are present, too.
I’ve just spotted Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum, and Usyk’s teammate Sergey Lapin as well!
Michael Buffer gets proceedings under way, and he quickly announces Fury and Usyk’s arrivals!
So, a different set-up to most Riyadh Season press conferences.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments