Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is just two days away, as the Briton aims to claim the unified heavyweight titles – seven months after suffering his first professional loss, against the Ukrainian.
In May, Usyk won a split decision against Fury to become the division’s first undisputed champion in 24 years. Now, the pair return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Usyk defends the gold against the “Gypsy King” – minus the IBF belt, which he vacated in spring.
Fury fought impressively in May, leading the fight after the midway stage, but a phenomenal rally from Usyk secured victory, keeping the former cruiserweight king unbeaten. Usyk, 37, even came close to stopping Fury, 36, in round nine, and will take great confidence from that in Saturday’s rematch.
But there was nothing to take from Wednesday’s open workouts, where Fury laced up his gloves but threw zero punches. That said, his coach Sugarhill Steward did drop some news: that Fury’s father John will not be in the Gypsy King’s corner this time around.
Follow all the build-up to Usyk vs Fury 2, ahead of today’s press conference at 3pm GMT, below. You can watch the fight live on DAZN this weekend. (We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.)
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE: John Fury axed from son’s corner team
The big bit of news from yesterday’s open workouts was that Tyson Fury’s father, John, will apparently not be in the “Gypsy King”’s corner on Saturday.
Sugarhill Steward, Fury’s head coach, said the former champion’s corner team would consist of himself, Andy Lee, and a cutman.
In May, as Fury lost to Uysk on points, it was widely thought that the Briton had too many voices in his corner. But John Fury specifically came under criticism for what was deemed weak advice to his son.
Furthermore, John Fury headbutted a member of Usyk’s team during fight week in May, cutting his own head in the process.
We’ll find out on Saturday if Steward was telling the truth, or if he’s misleading us…
Alex Pattle19 December 2024 10:36
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Fury arrived by boat for his open workout at Riyadh’s Boulevard World and, having had his gloves laced up by trainer Sugar Hill Steward, he briefly moved around the ring before his gloves were taken off without a punch being thrown.
The former WBC champion, who declined to say whether he would shave off his beard before the fight given it appears to be in contravention of boxing rules, gave brief answers when interviewed in the ring.
“A lot of pain. Smash and damage. A lot of hurt. Hurt. Serious hurt. A lot of damage,” he said.
Steward then revealed that himself, second Andy Lee and a cutman from the first encounter when Fury’s dad John was also present.
The corner work in May was strongly criticised with each of Steward, Lee and Fury Sr giving contradictory advice in between the later rounds.
It was part of a controversial week for Fury Sr, who was left bloodied after head butting a member of Usyk’s entourage.
Alex Pattle19 December 2024 11:20
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Win or lose at Kingdom Arena on Saturday, Fury will be keeping perspective on what it means to step into the ring.
The 36-year-old has spoken openly about his struggle with depression, including a suicide attempt in 2016, and insists that mental health will always be his ultimate battle.
“I don’t think boxing is ever my biggest victory. I’ve come back from suicide, I’ve come back from the depths of despair,” he said.
“So to go in there and get paid a tonne of money to do a boxing match with some clown, it’s child’s play compared to what I’ve had to go through. Boxing for me is a game compared to what I’ve had to come through.”
Lawrence Ostlere19 December 2024 10:55
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Fury has already stated he will seek a trilogy fight against Usyk before switching attention to Anthony Joshua, while Dubois is also an option given he holds the IBF belt.
“I’ve tried to walk away many times and have been unsuccessful,” the ‘Gypsy King’ said.
“I meant it when I retired after Dillian Whyte back in 2022. I really meant that wholeheartedly.
“I could have put my hands on the Bible and meant it. But it was very difficult to let it go so I’m not sure if I can ever let it go.
“What brings me back to the ring? Victory, winning the belts and keep going. It’s what I do.”
Lawrence Ostlere19 December 2024 10:25
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
“Just for the record, I’m going to absolutely annihilate this motherf***** on Saturday night. No retirement, I’m cleaning them all out and he’s going to be first. Rabbit’s face,” Fury told Dazn.
“I was very happy with the performance (in the first fight). I didn’t get the result I wanted, but I was happy overall with what I did. It wasn’t any different to what I thought it would be. He was easier to hit.”
Lawrence Ostlere19 December 2024 10:02
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and press conference LIVE
Tyson Fury has vowed to “annihilate” Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh on Saturday as the first step towards ruling the heavyweight division.
Fury was considered the standout fighter in his weight class until he lost his WBC belt on a split-decision to WBA, IBF and WBO king Usyk when they clashed for the first time in May.
The IBF title is no longer at stake after it was stripped from the Ukrainian and awarded to Daniel Dubois, ending his brief reign as undisputed champion.
Fury is ready to avenge his only professional defeat against an opponent he has nicknamed ‘Rabbit’ en route to taking out all of his heavyweight rivals.
Lawrence Ostlere19 December 2024 09:41
Tyson Fury carries out baffling open workout before coach names corner team
Below is a recap of everything that happened at today’s open workout!
Thank you for following along.
We’ll be back tomorrow with more build-up to Saturday’s mega-fight, along with updates from the press conference.
Alex Pattle18 December 2024 19:55
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and open workouts LIVE
Usyk is asked whether he’s better at dancing or boxing. “Dancing,” he says!
He’s asked about Fury seeming to say “hurt” and “damage” during his workout (in which the Briton threw zero punches, remember).
“Okay,” Usyk says as a reaction to Fury’s workout…
Alex Pattle18 December 2024 19:38
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and open workouts LIVE
Usyk is now in the ring, shadow boxing and dancing around the ring.
Outside a band is playing (or pretending to play) a song that seems to have lyrics including “Oleksandr Usyk”.
Alex Pattle18 December 2024 19:34
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and open workouts LIVE
“It was a little workout,” Steward laughed. “We gave it our best.
“Tyson Fury is just ready right now, along with myself. He’s always had like a silly demeanour and [been] playing around, but this is a different side of him. He’s just ready, 100 per cent ready.”
Steward also reveals that Fury’s corner on Saturday will consist of himself, Andy Lee, and a cutman.
So, no John Fury this time, after Tyson’s dad came under criticism for his corner work in May.
In general, it was argued by many fans and pundits that Fury had too many voices in his corner.
Alex Pattle18 December 2024 19:29