Tyson Fury tickles Dillian Whyte at pre-fight press conference

Wednesday, 20 April 2022 15:19

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Tyson Fury cheekily tickles his challenger Dillian Whyte as they come face to face at a pre-fight press conference. Photo from the Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel.

Tyson Fury TICKLED Dillian Whyte during a surprisingly good-natured press conference for their WBC World Heavyweight Title fight.

The Morecambe-based boxing champion gave his challenger a cheeky tickle to the ribs with a smile as they went face-to-face in a staredown for the cameras.

The two heavyweights then shook hands and exchanged grins following a press conference in which both showed each other respect.

Fury and Whyte will fight in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night (April 23).

The champion at one point turned peacemaker as tension threatened to boil over between his father John Fury and Whyte's brother Dean.

But this was the only time there were signs of animosity in what was an unusually calm and at times, jovial press conference.

"We're looking forward to an awesome memorable night," said the undefeated Fury, 33, who has claimed that this will be his last professional boxing match.

"He's fighting the best version of Tyson Fury.

"I think everybody is underestimating how good a fight this is going to be.

"If I'm not on my A-game, that man is going to knock my head right off my shoulders. I think we're in for a real treat on Saturday night."

Whyte, 34, was making his first in-person appearance during any of the media build-up to the fight.

The Londoner had no-showed the initial press conference when the fight was announced, saying he was unhappy with some of the behind-the-scenes negotiations, and that he wasn't getting things he'd asked for.

But all seemed forgotten as both men were in good spirits on Wednesday afternoon.

"Win lose or draw, I come to fight," said the challenger and number one contender, who has won 28 of his 30 professional contests.

"I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Victory by any means necessary.

"This is fight is being about able to adapt, and make decisions quickly. Tyson Fury does one thing and says another thing. He may decide he wants to box, he may decide to fight.

"I show up, do my job, and that's it."

Promoter Frank Warren said he expected the fight to be "explosive" and "a classic".

"It's going to be a war," he said.

"For boxing fans, it won't get any better."

You can see the fight on BT Sport Box Office on Saturday night.