Wilder: Show of rage sign of ‘nervous energy’

Las Vegas: A raging Tyson Fury labelled Deontay Wilder “weak” before a blazing argument erupted between the heavyweights at their final pre-fight press conference, leading to the traditional staredown being scrapped.

Fury defends his World Boxing Council title on Sunday (Fiji time) against a fighter he defeated to become champion, and it was the outcome of that bout 20 months ago – and Wilder’s unfounded allegations of cheating – that was the catalyst for a heated row.

Wilder had earlier doubled down on his assertion that Fury had only prevailed in their second fight because of underhand tactics and said: “I don’t regret it, I will go to my grave believing in what I believe in.”

But in his closing remarks, Fury asked why Wilder had brought in new trainer Malik Scott and overhauled his preparation for Sunday’s (Fiji time) fight.

“I ask the question, if I only won because I cheated, what was the point of changing everything and doing all this other work?” Fury said.

“Deep down in his soul, he knows that he lost and he’ll lose again. After this fight he’ll be back working in that fast food chain that he was working at earlier on in his career. It’s retirement for him.

“You’re in denial and you’re getting knocked out. Do yourself a favour and retire, your legacy’s in bits, all the excuses, you’ve been destroyed. No one’s even believed you, everyone’s laughing at you. You’re a weak man.”

Wilder countered that he saw “nervous energy” from his rival, but with tensions approaching boiling point, Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum ruled that the press conference would not end in the usual staredown.

The first fight between the duo in December 2018 ended in a controversial draw before Fury won the return contest, surprising many observers by taking the attack to Wilder and stopping him in the seventh round.

The fight starts at 1pm and shown on FBC TV and Sky Sports. -The Guardian.