Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference LIVE: Champion taunts challenger after no-show
The Britons will clash on 23 April at Wembley Stadium, where today’s press conference took place
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will defend his title against Dillian Whyte on 23 April, in an all-British clash at Wembley Stadium.
The London venue was also the setting for this afternoon’s press conference, the first in the build-up to the highly-anticipated bout. Fury has been incredibly vocal since the fight was confirmed – and even before that – taunting his fellow 33-year-old at every opportunity. Mandatory challenger and interim champion Whyte, in stark contrast, has been largely silent, leading Fury to label him a “coward” in the run-up to today’s press conference.
Fury gave his opponent a new nickname today, however, labelling him “Frillian White Knickers” as Whyte missed the event in order to focus on his training in Portugal, where the Londoner lives. Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum explained: “We won the purse bid, which was way higher than the next biggest bid, and [Whyte’s] not coming to the press conference because we wouldn’t give him a percentage of the upside [from pay-per-view sales], which you don’t get in a purse bid. He told us he won’t come to any of the press conferences except the last one.”
Re-live updates from the first Fury vs Whyte pre-fight press conference, below.
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference
Fury: “I’ve fought some tasty competitors over the years. I know Dillian Whyte, we go back a long way – to about 2012.
“He’s a tough guy, he’s a game competitor. He will bring what he can and he will try to chin me; that’s a fact.
“He’s definitely up there with the top 10 fights I’ve had. I could say he’s No2 or 22, but if I demolition him in one round then he’ll never get any credit for it.”
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference
Fury: “The man’s been calling for the fight for 352 years.
“He finally gets his shot on the biggest stage against the biggest champion on the biggest night.
“I will not fail. I beat men like him seven days a week and 62 times on a Sunday.”
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference
Warren: “You’ve got to be a strong person to get through and do what he’s done.
“There’s a few things in the past that have been documented, but look at the inspiration for mental health in this country.
“We get letters in the office all the time to pass onto him, where he’s been an inspiration to people.
“I’ve been around in boxing for God knows how long, but I think he’s the best British heavyweight in my time – and certainly the best heavyweight of his generation.”
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference
Fury says he sees his career as two careers, in fact, with his comeback in 2018 marking the start of his latter venture.
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference
Fury: “When I’m done, I’m done, and I won’t care where people rate me.”
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference
Fury: “There’s not one per cent doubt I’m gonna annihilate Dillian Whyte.
“I have to be supremely confident in my ability. I believe I can beat him with one hand tied behind my back and one foot off the floor.”
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference
Fury: “Of course he doesn’t want to go face-to-face with me, because he’ll see that fire in my eyes and think: ‘I’m getting killed, I’m getting smashed to bits.’
“It’s terror, it’s fear.
“Tyson Fury versus his own shadow sells.”
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte press conference
Fury: “We train hard, we eat well. He’s no different to many of the other opponents I’ve fought in my career. They all know riches and glory await if they win.
“I will chop him to bits, not a problem. I will smash his face right in. You’re gonna see a masterclass. You’re gonna see a Ferrari racing a Vauxhall. There’s a gulf here.
“If I’m daft enough to get hit off him and knocked out, then I don’t deserve to be world heavyweight champion.
“He should be here kissing my feet, washing my feet, because I’m giving him 32-times his biggest payday.
“He’s not Dillian Whyte, he’s Frillian White Knickers.”
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