Tyson Fury weighed in at a career-heavy 20st 1lb for Saturday’s heavyweight world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant weight difference between the two fighters.
Fury’s Record-Breaking Weight
Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO champion, will face two-time champion Fury at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena. Fury, dressed in a leather jacket, white trousers, and a baseball cap, weighed in four stone heavier than his opponent. Usyk, weighing 16st 1lb, was five pounds lighter than his weight for their first fight. Both fighters remained fully dressed during the weigh-in, making it challenging to analyze their conditioning.
Promoter Frank Warren commented, “You can analyze it any way you like, but tomorrow night you’re going to find out who is the best.” He added, “Both of them will come to fight. We are going to see something extra, extra special.”
Beard Dispute and Replacement Officials
Away from the weigh-in, Fury’s beard has sparked controversy. While he claims the beard provides added strength, boxing rules require facial hair to be of a certain length to prevent it from cushioning punches. At a rules meeting on Friday, Fury’s beard was cleared, but Usyk’s team plans to push the issue further. Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk cited WBC rules, emphasizing that the beard should not act as an impact cushion.
Meanwhile, one of the judges, Fernando Barbosa, was unable to attend due to illness. Steve Weisfeld and Ignacio Robles have been flown in as replacements, but the teams remain split on the choice of judge. Frank Warren suggested resolving the matter with a coin toss.
The Saudi Boxing Scene and Lucrative Payday
Friday’s weigh-in was held at a garden-themed theme park in Riyadh, drawing a better attendance than earlier events during fight week. British fans chanted, “There’s only one Tyson Fury,” while a few hundred Saudis, visiting the theme park, also joined in.
The Middle East’s lucrative investment in boxing continues to grow. While Usyk vs. Fury could sell out any stadium in the UK, Saudi Arabia offers unmatched financial incentives. According to reports, the fighters will share a massive £150m prize purse, although the exact split remains undisclosed. Fury reportedly earned up to £85m for their first fight, significantly more than Usyk’s £35m.
Reaction from Fans and Experts
Fans and boxing analysts have shared mixed reactions to the weight difference and the ongoing disputes. While Fury’s weight could give him an advantage in power, Usyk’s agility and strategic approach remain key strengths.
“Who do you think will win the heavyweight showdown? Share your predictions in the comments! Stay tuned for updates on Fury vs Usyk and other boxing events!”
