For the first time in 25 years, boxing will crown an undisputed heavyweight world champion on Sunday when Tyson Fury faces Oleksandr Usyk.
But there was a late twist after the weigh-in, when it was revealed that Usyk actually weighed 223.5 pounds – and not the 233.5 pounds that was announced.
Experts were shocked that Usyk weighed in so heavy, given he has been incredibly consistent throughout his career, typically weighing in about 220-221 pounds. Even when his real weight was announced – not the announced 233.5 pounds – it was still the heaviest he had weighed in for any fight. But it’s still significantly lighter than his opponent, with Fury weighing in at 262 pounds – which itself is significantly lighter than his typical weight.
Fury was fired up at the weigh-ins, with the 35-year-old roaring: “We’re ready to rock and roll, so fireworks tomorrow night. I’m going to knock this little f***er spark out.
“I’m coming for his heart, that’s what I’m coming for. F*** his belts. I’m coming for his f***ing heart, he’s getting it tomorrow, spark out.
“F*** him, f*** all his team too. F*** the lot of them, they can all get it if they wanted to. S**thouses.”
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Meanwhile, Canadian rapper Drake bet $565,000 on Fury to win – just one of his many big-money bets on sport in recent years … though not many have paid off.
Elsewhere on the card, Australian Jai Opetaia is hoping to become the nation’s only current men’s world champion when he faces Mairis Briedis for the IBF cruiserweight crown.
Main Card (DAZN from 2am AEST)
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk — For the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles
Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis — For the vacant IBF cruiserweight title
Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace — For the IBF super featherweight title
Frank Sanchez vs. Agit Kabayel — WBC heavyweight championship eliminator
Moses Itauma vs. Ilija Mezencev — For the vacant WBO Intercontinental heavyweight title
Mark Chamberlain vs. Joshua Wahab — For the WBC silver lightweight title
Sergey Kovalev vs. Robin Sirawn Safar — Light heavyweight
David Nyika vs. Michael Seitz — Cruiserweight
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