Warning: story includes graphic image; Tyson Fury defends his WBC title against Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA, IBF and WBO champion in an undisputed world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tuesday 14 May 2024 11:52, UK
Tyson Fury's father John Fury appeared to headbutt a member of Oleksandr Usyk's entourage as an ugly clash overshadowed the pre-fight media day.
Footage showed John Fury lashing out with his head towards a man wearing Usyk's team tracksuit as the two fighters' teams clashed before Saturday's undisputed world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
John Fury was later pictured with blood coming from a head wound after security stepped in to prevent any further confrontation.
"I didn't see anything, I was in the room doing interviews, but I'm not here for all that, I'm here to get the job done and go home and rest," said Tyson Fury when asked about the incident.
Saudi Arabian authorities say no charges are being pressed and no further action will be taken at this stage.
John Fury, speaking to Sky Sports News about the altercation:
"They were disrespecting my son, the best ever heavyweight to wear a pair of boxing gloves.
"Coming out with all that rubbish, in my face, trying to be clever.
"Coming into my space, 'Usyk, Usyk', nobody is bothering with them, I was only chanting my own son's name.
"So they stepped closer and stepped closer and at the end of it I am a warrior, that is what we do.
"If you come in the space, you are going to get what is coming.
"This is not about the fight, we have done everything we can, Tyson is in fine fettle.
"You are going to see on Saturday night the best Tyson ever.
"This is what he comes off. We are fighting people.
"That there is a regular occurence, that is seven nights a week for me that.
"So the last thing they are going to do is get one over on me and my family, it will not happen.
"If you are disrespectful, we don't talk, we don't scream [hits fist into hand], it is a bit of claret."
Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk, speaking to Sky Sports News on the altercation...
"At the time when I was talking to you, I had zero understanding.
"Well it is normal two teams come together - Usyk, Fury, well the mess goes around.
"Then I looked back and saw John Fury's forehead bleeding and that was the point where I started to be a little cautious where I said 'listen let me jump in'.
"I had the impression that one of our guys made the headbutt and hit him with the forehead so I jumped in and said guys, 'let's calm down'.
"Then I came to their team and said 'if it was one of my guys, I give you my word, it is my responsibility, I promise you I will take care of that'.
"That is what I said to him, we shook hands, that was that and we said 'bye bye'.
"Then I saw the video and it turned out to be a little bit different from my first impression.
"I will not take my apologies away because I wasn't there to stop it, that is my fault.
"On the other hand, it would be nice if we hear some apologies from John because it was his behaviour.
"This is the sport of boxing. We are now in a historical event, the undisputed, the first four belts era.
"We are the example for the world, the whole world is watching us and new generations, kids, are taking us as examples.
"What will they see from this? What will they make of this?
"Of course there is going to be some rush on the internet but it is up to him if he wants to apologise, it is up to him."
