Tyson Fury shied away from an intense face-to-face showdown with Oleksandr Usyk following Thursday's press conference for this weekend's upcoming undisputed heavyweight world title battle.
The face-off that was to take place in Saudi Arabia, the venue set to crown the first-ever holder of all four heavyweight belts, experienced its share of drama as Usyk kept his cool while Fury, cheered on by a group of travelling Brits, appealed to the crowd instead.
Despite facing Usyk, the reigning cruiserweight champion, Fury kept eye contact to a minimum. Usyk showcased his artistic side during the concluding press conference with a penned poem whereas a stoic Fury refrained from indulging in any question-answer session. "I'm going to make this short and simple," he stated, "I'm ready for a fight, whether it's tough or easy, I'll be ready.
God Bless Usyk, I'll say a prayer for him that we both go home to our families in one piece because that's what it's all about." READ MORE: Tyson Fury weight for OIeksandr Usyk - trainer hint, Francis Ngannou comparison as issue resolved READ MORE: Oleksandr Usyk team send clear Tyson Fury message ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight Usyk's team had earlier raised concerns over the state of the ring's canvas.