John, the father of Tyson Fury, emerged from what appeared to be a brutal altercation with an employee of Alexander Usyk’s team during the intense media day that the rival world heavyweight champions had today.
At the start of a week that will see the Gypsy King, or the Ukrainian war hero, become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, tensions erupted as the two sides walked past each other in the lobby of the opulent Riyadh Hilton Hotel.
Members of Usyk’s camp started yelling their man’s name at Fury’s group, drawing Fury Sr. into a fight. Abruptly, he turned on the least powerful and probably the youngest provocateur, giving him a headbutt.
With blood streaming from his brow, Big John took a step back.
Luckily, the remaining irate throng exhibited composure.
John Fury (pictured) was left bloodied after an altercation with a member of Oleksandr Usyk’s team
John Fury puts himself head-to-head with Usyk’s team
Video footage caught a clash of heads between the two before blood was left sheeting down Fury’s head
Tyson (left) later emerged and questioned how his dad had managed to cut his head
His son missed the ugly action as he was giving an interview in a side room.
When he was told Tyson said: ‘It is what it is. Not interested. Doesn’t affect anything. I’ve seen a lot worse.’
It is unclear as yet whether the Saudi Arabian police, who are famously severe, will take such a relaxed view of the actions of a man who served three years in prison for assault in England.
Fury Snr has only recently been re-admitted to his son’s training camp.
Shortly before this drama unfolded the Gypsy King’s would-be domestic nemesis Anthony Joshua arrived here to be at ringside on Saturday.
Fury warned though: ‘If AJ’s thinking he wants to fight me for the titles he’ll have to wait. Usyk and I are contracted for a rematch in September whoever wins.
‘With all the money available to us for these two fights here, why would I turn down double bubble.
‘Maybe treble bubble next year at Wembley if Joshua doesn’t get beat before then.’
Fury Snr continued to chant ‘Fury!’ before shaking hands with a member of Usyk’s team and making peace
Fury and Usyk will face off against one another for the right to be called the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world
Mail Sport were granted exclusive access to the Ukrainian fighter’s pre-bout training camp
The 37-year-old alongside his speedball, with the words ‘weakness leaving your body’ that are visible on the wooden frame. ‘Undisputed’, ‘the ring’ and ‘Ukraine’ can also be made out
The heavyweight champion is not known for his comedic antics but he had no issues displaying his goofy side to Mail Sport
After his two championship defeats by Usyk, Joshua is expected to return to the ring – at Wembley – in the autumn.
Fury was more concerned about the weekend death of London’s 28-year-old late starter in boxing Sherif Lawal who was stopped in the fourth round of his first pro fight at a show in Harrow.
Fury said ‘Rest in peace. poor fella. We all know the dangers of getting in the ring. The dangers of having our brains knocked out.
‘We’re not in there to tickle each other to death. We are there to do serious damage to each other. It’s what we’re paid for.
‘I’ve known the risks all my life. You know that if it’s your time to die it’s destiny.’
