LONDON – Britain's Tyson Fury weighed in 19 kilograms
(42 pounds) heavier than champion Deontay Wilder on Friday as the two
heavyweights prepare for their much-anticipated WBC (World Boxing
Council) title rematch in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Wilder and Fury fought to a dramatic draw on the scorecards after 12
rounds at the Los Angeles Staples Center in 2018 and both men have
added considerable weight gain from their original meeting.
Britain's Fury, who is unbeaten in 30 fights, weighed the heaviest as
he tipped the scales at 123.8 kilograms (273 pounds) - a gain of 7.5
kilograms (17 pounds).
"I've been holding that weight for the last two months of training
camp and sparring every day with it, 273 pounds of pure British
beef," said Fury.
Julian Kiewietz previews the upcoming fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. Video: Julian Kiewiets/IOL Sport
The 35-year-old American Wilder, who is unbeaten in 42 fights with 41
knockouts , also increased to a career-high 104.7 kilograms (231
pounds) after weighing 97 kilograms (214 pounds) in LA.
"At the end of the day, we're heavyweights so it really doesn't
matter because I've been under weight for pretty much my entire
career," said Wilder when asked about the career milestone weight.
"I don't care about weight but I'm in a better state and a better
mind than last time."
Wilder added that Fury's weight is more of a disadvantage going into
the American's 11th title defence as the holder of the WBC belt since
2015.
I've always had to fight bigger guys," Wilder said.
"That's just only going to slow him down so bring it on! I'm not
worried about his weight. I'm telling you, don't blink."
Because of a melee at the press conference on Wednesday, the Nevada
State Athletic Commission (NSAC), the board which sanctioned the
bout, prohibited any face-offs between the two fighters.
"It's no secret that I want a knockout against Wilder and by the way
he looked on stage, he looks like a scared p***y to me."
Instead, the two boxers stood at a distance on stage, with Fury
pointing and screaming expletives at his rival and Wilder retaliating
with similar wording.
Wilder says it is his opponent that is feeling more of the nerves
because of two things.
One was switching his trainer from Ben Davison to Javan Sugarhill
Steward - the son of Lennox Lewis' former trainer Emmanuel.
Another is a cut Fury sustained in his last fight against Otto Wallin
that required 47 stitches.
He's nervous. That's why he changed his camp up and he's dipping his
hands in gasoline to harden them up," said Wilder.
"He's got a cut and that's why he wore sunglasses (at Wednesday's
press conference). I can't wait. We're going to give the fans what
they want to see."
Fury, who calls himself the 'Gypsy King' due to his Irish travelling
heritage, is prepared for whatever Wilder throws at him.
"I told Deontay Wilder that Las Vegas is my home and the fans have
turned out to see the Gypsy King. We're ready for a war," he said.
The two unbeaten fighters will be expected in the ring at the MGM
Grand Garden Arena around 4am GMT on Saturday night.