Tyson Fury’s father, John Fury, went viral for head-butting a member of Oleksandr Usyk’s team during a chaotic scene in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the historic Fury vs. Usyk fight, which Tyson Fury believes only added to the hype and potentially increased pay-per-view buys.
Tyson Fury’s fight week is never dull. This time, it’s his father, John Fury, stealing the spotlight. The man’s not shy about causing a scene, and Monday was no exception.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, John head-butted a member of Oleksandr Usyk’s team. The incident went viral, with blood streaming down his face. John’s response? He shrugged it off as just another Monday.
Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champ, finds his father’s antics amusing. He likens his dad to Angelo Dundee, a legendary boxing trainer. “He’s my salesman,” Tyson quipped on The MMA Hour.
John’s outburst, Tyson believes, probably boosted pay-per-view buys by half a million. It’s all publicity, after all. The more eyes on the event, the better. Tyson even called his dad a “promoter’s dream.”
The physical damage from the head-butt? Insignificant, according to Tyson. “A little cut’s not going to stop my dad,” he said. The incident only added to the hype around the fight, a historic moment for boxing.
Fury vs. Usyk is a big deal. It’s the first time since 1999 that every major heavyweight title is on the line. The last undisputed heavyweight champion was crowned when Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield.
The fight is set for Saturday, May 18, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. It’s been a long time coming, and it almost didn’t happen.
Last October, Tyson faced former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Ngannou, a boxing newbie, nearly caused one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history. He scored the only knockdown of the match and came close to winning a split decision.
A Ngannou victory would’ve derailed Fury vs. Usyk. But Tyson isn’t dwelling on the past. He had issues going into the Ngannou fight, but he’s not one for excuses.
“I’m a realist,” Tyson said. He doesn’t need validation or criticism from others. He knows his performance, good or bad.
Every experience is a learning opportunity, according to Tyson. If not, it’s not worth having.
Now, Tyson’s focus is on Usyk. The 37-year-old Ukrainian is an Olympic gold medalist and a former undisputed cruiserweight champ. He’s twice defeated Anthony Joshua, earning multiple heavyweight titles. His 21-0 professional record is impeccable.
It’s a legacy-defining fight for both men. But Tyson’s approach is simple. “The man’s a boxer with a pair of boxing gloves on,” he said. “He’s going to try to punch me in the face. And I’m going to do the same to him.”
Tyson doesn’t buy into mind games. If words affect your performance, he says, you shouldn’t be boxing. He’s relaxed, ready to rock and roll, and in good spirits. All he can do is his best.