Tyson Fury says he'd be "first to sign up" if Britain went to war

Tuesday, 1 March 2022 14:58

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Tyson Fury speaking at today's press conference at Wembley.

World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury says he'd be "the first to sign up" if Britain ever became directly involved in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The Morecambe-based WBC Heavyweight Champion was speaking at a press conference to launch his upcoming fight with Dillian Whyte.

Fury was asked for his thoughts on fellow boxers Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasil Lomachenko signing up for the Ukrainian military.

"Fantastic...I'll be the first one to join up if England get involved, or America, I'll be first in line for the job," said Fury.

"My dad will as well, and all the boys, we'll all be signing up to defend. Love your woman and fight for your country, that's what I say."

Fury received a round of applause in the media room at Wembley after this statement.

Meanwhile Dillian Whyte, Tyson's opponent on April 23 at Wembley Stadium, decided to not show up for today's press conference.

So a smiling Fury opted to have the traditional 'big fight stare down' with a large photograph of Whyte instead.

"He's getting the biggest payday of his life. £8 million, 32 times his biggest payday," he said.

"He should be here today kissing and washing my feet.

"I'm very overconfident. I believe I'm going to win it one billion per cent.

"On this big occasion, it's Dillian Whyte's biggest chance to do his thing. He's been calling for a world title fight for I don't know how many years. I thought he'd be here to be involved in big time boxing. It's his moment in the sun.

"But if he doesn't want to get involved in that, that's his business. I think it messes up his legacy a little bit. I think it's a shame, for him and his family to look back on, in time.

"This is his promoter saying 'don't sell the fight, you can't make any more money'. But surely at this level, it's about being part of this. he should be promoting the fight."

Fury also claimed he would be his "heaviest ever" for the Whyte fight, saying he planned to weigh 19 stone 10 for the bout.

Tickets go on sale for Fury vs Whyte tomorrow (Wednesday).