‘I’ll pray’: Fury, Usyk avoid trash-talking boxing ahead of heavyweight bout

Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk were in no mood for unnecessary small talk during their final press conference ahead of their undisputed world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh on Saturday night.

A shirtless Fury, wearing a flame-covered suit, black waistcoat and a jaunty black felt hat, was uncharacteristically brief and conciliatory before studiously avoiding a traditional confrontation with Usyk.

Rather than indulge in meaningless boxing rituals, Fury, 35, crossed his arms and smiled at the crowd. Maybe it was some kind of sharp psychological warfare – but Usyk was equally unyielding and uninterested in any form of boxing pantomime.

The 6-foot-9 Fury, who is seven inches taller than Usyk, could have accepted an offer that emphasized the height difference, but he refused to turn to the Ukrainian.

The 37-year-old Usyk has returned to his usual position facing Fury, but he has not made any moves to irritate his opponent.

It was as if both men were determined to transcend the snarling and mayhem that is so common in boxing. They disappoint those waiting for insults or fireworks – but this fight doesn’t need any more hype.

Usyk, wearing a white suit and the traditional black-and-white sash and belt often worn by Ukrainians on Independence Day, set the tone when he was called to the podium. “I’m excited… let’s make history,” he said bluntly.

When prompted to add something, Usyk said he had been doing his “homework” at the table where he and Fury were sitting. He smiled and shrugged and said he was writing a poem. He declined to add anything to the obvious joke or reveal more, saying: “Not now.”

Fury followed the simplicity template and insisted he would keep it “short.” Fury did not make any grand predictions or declare a certain victory, but said: “I want to thank God for the victory that I have already achieved. I want to thank the people for organizing this event, and I want to thank Oleksandr Usyk for challenging me. .

As is customary in today’s boxing world, only interviewers working for the organizers are allowed to ask questions at press conferences. He endured an unfortunate mission. Fury is usually a garrulous, disrespectful talker who cannot be cajoled or coaxed into talking trash. “I’m ready,” he said. “I don’t have much to say other than I’m ready for a good fight.”

When asked if he had anything to say to Usyk, Fury said: “God bless him. I will pray for him before the fight and pray that we all leave the ring safely.

Usyk was asked to make a statement directly to Fury. He shrugged. “Let your hands do the talking in the ring.”

The boulevard, where the press conference was held, described itself as “an enchanted country” and “an entertainment center where every moment is a joyous celebration”, but there was silence.

Even Tyson’s father, John Fury, who clashed with Usyk’s entourage on Monday, has remained silent and thankfully did not attend the fight. The Furys are often noisy – especially when faced with a team that can counter them with loud noises.

Usyk’s name was shouted by his Ukrainian crew members for several seconds, but they too fell into a tense silence. There was no cry or cry from the Furies.

After a long week, everyone stopped talking and talking nonsense. The scale of this battle is everything. The most important thing now is that in the early hours of Sunday morning local time, Fury and Usyk will appear in the ring alone, with only each other and a referee for company.

When the first bell rings as they battle to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world this century, we should be in for a compelling drama. Admirably and interestingly, both Fury and Usyk seem to understand the depth and seriousness of the fateful test that awaits them. Their silence said it all.