FURY OVER TYSON DAD
Pre-fight antics anger Whyte
DILLIAN WHYTE branded Tyson Fury’s dad “stupid” and an “idiot” for trying to start a row when the two fighters finally came face-to-face yesterday.
John Fury started shouting at Whyte and his team when the pair faced off for the cameras at Wembley, and the challenger was angered by his antics.
Whyte accused Fury Snr, below, of trying to steal the limelight from the fighters as they prepare to clash for the WBC heavyweight title on Saturday in front of a record 94,000 fans at Wembley.
“John was trying to start something,” said Whyte. “He’s stupid because it’s a big fight. He’s trying to rob 90,000 fans of a fight. John Fury is an idiot, he’s a real idiot.
“He needs to relax. He’s stepping forward, trying not to let my guys get on the stage.
“I told him, ‘John, calm down, you’re an adult. You keep shouting and screaming like a child. Relax, it’s our day. Why are you getting yourself involved? This is mine and your son’s day’.
“He’s always trying to get in front of his son. I just said, ‘Old man, take it easy’.”
Fury also stepped in to act as peacemaker and shouted at both sides to “relax” and “get back”. The unbeaten WBC heavyweight king joked afterwards he did not want everyone to end up in a police cell.
“I did have to be peacemaker,” he said. “Sometimes you have to be a bit diplomatic.
“Both men are getting paid to have a fight so why do it for free three days before?
“There would be no point paying to see it with so many cameras up and down recording it, so let’s save it all for the night and not all end up in the police van, heading for the cells.”
Fury was in playful mood and tried to tickle Whyte when they faced off after peace had been restored. They shook hands and there was no animosity as they exchanged compliments like the two old friends they are. Perhaps Whyte, who missed the press conference to announce the fight and Tuesday’s public work-out, knows there is little point trying to wind up Fury.
“We’re professionals,” said Fury. “We’re both getting paid a fortune to have a fight, there’s nothing else to it. It speaks for itself, it’s the highest-selling fight in history and that’s without him even turning up to a press conference to cause all this so-called havoc.”