Fury refuses eye-to-eye with Usyk ahead of their clash

Tyson Fury refused to make eye contact with Oleksandr Usyk as the two world champions faced off ahead of their highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight title fight on Saturday. The one who wins will become the division’s first undisputed champion in the four-belt era.

In a notably subdued pre-fight news conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the usual theatrics from Fury were absent. Known for his headline-grabbing antics, Fury chose to keep his remarks brief.

“I’m ready. I’ve got nothing to say. I’m ready for a good fight. If it’s tough or easy. Either way I’ll be ready,” the 35-year-old Briton stated. He expressed gratitude towards Usyk for accepting the fight and, when asked if he had a message for the Ukrainian, added: “God bless him. I’ll say a prayer for him before the fight for us both to get out of the ring safely.”

Usyk, equally reserved, declined to engage in any pre-fight banter. “Let’s make history. Enough,” he remarked succinctly.

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FURY REFUSES TO LOOK AT USYK 🤯#FuryUsyk | MAY 18 12PM ET | @ESPNPlus PPV pic.twitter.com/IbTVgWNYTN

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 16, 2024

During the obligatory face-off, Usyk turned sideways while Fury faced the audience instead of his opponent. The Gypsy King placed his trilby hat on a security guard, sang along to the background music, flexed his muscles, and then exited the stage, maintaining his low-key approach.