Follow live coverage of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk today
John Fury was left with blood pouring down his forehead as an apparent clash marred the build-up to the upcoming undisputed world heavyweight clash between his son, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The incident occurred during the pre-fight media day when John Fury appeared to headbutt a member of Usyk’s entourage. Tensions flared at the hotel during Monday’s event, and video footage on social media showed security personnel intervening and separating the rival camps.
Advertisement
John Fury appeared to sustain a cut, with event photos and video on social media showing blood coming from his head. The 59-year-old was reportedly restrained on multiple occasions.
Speaking to Seconds Out, John Fury said: “Sincere apologies to everybody involved. It’s just the way we are, emotions and tensions are running high.
“He was a very disrespectful fella, wasn’t he? Anybody knows, you come close in a fighting man’s space and you’re going to cop for something aren’t you? Or else there’s something wrong.
“People don’t understand, we are the real deal as fighters. Win, lose or draw, I’ve had a thousand hidings in my life, it doesn’t matter to me. But what does matter to me is respect for my son. And he wasn’t showing any of it.”
Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk, speaking to Sky Sports, said it “would be nice if we hear some apologies from John because it was his behaviour”.
“This is the sport of boxing,” Krassyuk added. “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.”
Tyson Fury and Usyk will meet this Saturday at the Kingdom Arena. The highly anticipated clash will determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000.
“It’s unbelievable to be out here. Everyone is on a high. Big-time boxing in Saudi Arabia is fantastic,” Tyson Fury said, via the PA news agency.
“I’m going to enjoy this week because it’s been many years coming. So we’ll enjoy it. I feel on top of the world and I can’t wait.”
(Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)