Oleksandr Usyk giving away almost three stone to Tyson Fury in heavyweight clash

Oleksandr Usyk will be giving away almost three stone to Tyson Fury in their heavyweight unification clash after it emerged that the wrong weight was announced at Friday’s weigh-in.

Usyk is 10 pounds lighter than stated for Saturday's fight with Fury in Saudi Arabia, his promoter said.

Alex Krassyuk told Sky Sports television that the WBA, IBF and WBO champion actually weighed in at 223 pounds but was announced as 233 and a half pounds (105.9kg), the heaviest he has been in his career.

Fury, the WBC champion, tipped the scales at 262 pounds (118.8kg).

That was lighter than the 277.7 pounds the Briton was at for his non-title fight against former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in October, in which Fury was knocked down but won on a split decision.

Both Fury and Usyk are unbeaten professionally and the fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh will crown the first unified heavyweight boxing champion since 1999.

Fury unleashed an expletive-filled rant at Usyk during a fiery Friday's weigh-in.

Fury touched heads with Usyk and then shoved his Ukrainian opponent when the rivals came together for the final face-off before they clash to decide the division’s greatest fighter of their generation.

They had to be separated by security but Fury continued to point and shout at Usyk in stark contrast to Thursday night’s muted press conference.

“We’re ready to rock and roll. Fireworks tomorrow night,” Fury said on the stage.

“I’m going to knock him spark out. I’m coming for his heart, that’s what I’m coming for. He’s getting it tomorrow, spark out."

Oleksandr Usyk open workout in Riyadh

Oleksandr Usyk trains during the Ring Of Fire - Open Workouts session at BLVD City - Music World, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 15, 2024. Getty
Oleksandr Usyk of Ukrain puts his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts on the line against WBC champion Tyson Fury in Riyadh on Saturday. Reuters
Oleksandr Usyk shadow boxes during the open workout sessions on Wednesday. Getty
Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine hits the pads during the Ring Of Fire - Open Workouts session. Getty
Oleksandr Usyk warms up in the ring. The Ukrainian claimed the reason for Tyson Fury's dramatic weight loss ahead of their clash was down to nerves. Getty
IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. PA

Usyk was unmoved by Fury’s provocation and delivered a calmer interview once Fury had left the stage, declaring that he is not feeling any nerves despite the size of the occasion.

“Don’t be afraid, I will not leave you alone tomorrow. If I will be nervous, I won’t win. My fans – I love you, see you tomorrow,” he said.

Fury weighed in at his lowest since 2018 when he fought Deontay Wilder for the first time.

Some of the biggest names in heavyweight history were present to watch the weigh-in, including Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes and Wladimir Klitschko.

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Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do

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