Fury, Usyk set for ‘fireworks’ in undisputed heavyweight clash

Britain’s Tyson Fury (L) and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk (C) gesture on stage during the official weigh-in on the eve of their heavyweight world boxing championship fight<br />in Riyadh on May 17, 2024. (Photo by Yasser al-UMARI / AFP)

Tyson Fury faces Oleksandr Usyk in the first undisputed heavyweight fight for a generation on Saturday with bad blood boiling after a tempestuous clash at the weigh-in.

The two undefeated fighters had previously been respectful in their comments but tempers flared on Friday as Britain’s Fury shoved Usyk and swore angrily at the Ukrainian.

It adds extra spice to Saturday’s classic encounter at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, the first undisputed heavyweight bout since 1999 with the winner taking all four major belts.

“We’re ready to rock and roll, so fireworks tomorrow night. I’m going knock (him) spark out,” fumed Fury.

“I’m coming for his heart, that’s what I’m coming for. (Forget) his belts. I’m coming for his heart. He’s getting it tomorrow, spark out!”

Earlier this week, Fury’s father John headbutted a member of Usyk’s entourage and was seen with blood streaming from a cut on his forehead.

The fighters can join the likes of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson by becoming undisputed champion, a feat not achieved since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 25 years ago.

With four boxing sanctioning bodies, up from three, the winner will unite Fury’s WBC title with the IBF, WBA and WBO belts held by Usyk, and will be recognised as the greatest of this era.

Too close to call

The highly-anticipated match has been long in the making. Originally announced for February, it was postponed after Fury suffered a cut in training.

With the hype going into overdrive, there is the potential for anticlimax with some