Boxing

The WBC heavyweight belt goes on the line at the MGM Grand, which long ago jumped ahead of Caesars Palace as the hottest spot to see elite fighters pull on the gloves in America's gambling capital.

Within the vast urban sprawl of the hotel and casino's grounds sits the Garden Arena, where legends have been made and demolished.

Neither Fury nor Wilder is a stranger to the MGM Grand boxing ring, but neither man has had a career-defining fight there yet.

Fury versus Wilder II could be a classic. Their stunning draw in LA leaves all to fight for.

Here is a look at five of the most dramatic and memorable blockbuster showdowns in the 26-year history of the big-fight coliseum.

5. George Foreman beat Michael Moorer, KO, November 1994

Before he became a grill pan hype man, Foreman was frying rivals in the ring.

The veteran rolled back the years on one of the MGM Grand's first big bills, after fighting for permission to even step into the ring. With the 45-year-old having not had a bout in almost 18 months, the WBA initially refused to sanction the contest, but Foreman went through the courts to get the go-ahead, and it was worth the effort.

The man who lost to Muhammad Ali in 1974's Rumble In The Jungle caused a seismic stir in Sin City with this 10th-round knockout victory, landing the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles as he became the division's oldest-ever champion. He had been outboxed for much of the fight, but Foreman found his punching power when it mattered.

4. Juan Manuel Marquez beat Manny Pacquiao, KO, December 2012

This was the final stanza in a Vegas quadrilogy for Marquez and Pacquiao, with a draw and two Pacquiao points victories in their previous clashes setting up another slice of MGM Grand history.

Amusingly, their second fight had been dubbed 'Unfinished Business', so the promoters needed to ramp up the anticipation for this one, pre-emptively titling it 'Fight of the Decade'.

It went a long way towards living up to that billing, earning Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year gong after Mexican Marquez turned the tables on his Filipino rival, driving a brutal right hand into Pacquiao's jaw in the dying seconds of the sixth round.

The fight-defining shot from the 39-year-old capped a sensational contest in which both men had been in trouble, and down went Pacquiao with a thud to the canvas.

Promoter Bob Arum suggested they go at it again in a fifth fight, but that never materialised. Marquez retired as a five-time world champion, his titles coming across four weights.

This was not a title fight, but the punch that collapsed Pacquiao forms a huge part of the Marquez legacy.

3. Floyd Mayweather beat Oscar De La Hoya, split points decision, May 2007

Anticipation for this light middleweight barnstormer reached fever pitch in the United States, where almost 2.5million households signed up for $55-a-throw pay-per-view television coverage, a record number.

Broadcaster HBO produced a four-episode mini-series building up to fight night, and there was also the saga of which corner Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Sr, would be in, given their estrangement and his availability as a top-level trainer.

The answer was ostensibly neither corner in the end. Mayweather Sr reportedly priced himself out of a role with De La Hoya, and Mayweather was primed for the showdown by his uncle, Roger Mayweather.

The hype machine was pumping out hyperbole by the time the fight began, and the fact it turned out to provide huge entertainment was testament to the focus of both fighters.

Mayweather was given 116-112 and 115-113 verdicts, with De La Hoya 115-113 on the other, and the winner's verdict that it was "easy work for me" flew in the face of abundant evidence.

Floyd Mayweather Sr, showing not a jot of family loyalty, surmised that De La Hoya would have deserved the win.

2. Frankie Randall beat Julio Cesar Chavez, split points decision, January 1994

It was opening night at the Garden Arena, six weeks after doors to the MGM Grand hotel swung open for the first time.

The WBC super lightweight belt was on the line, Don King was the promoter pulling the strings, and for its outrageous shock factor, Randall's victory over Chavez that night ranks as one of the venue's greatest triumphs.

Chavez had been described months earlier by Sports Illustrated as "the world's greatest fighter", and he headed into this bout with 89 wins and one draw from 90 professional encounters.

Randall dominated the early stages but was pegged back by Chavez, only for low blows from the Mexican to result in two points being deducted by referee Richard Steele - the telling factor.

Chavez would have won a split points decision, rather than lost that way as he did, had he not been penalised, and later said he was "very upset" with Steele.

A bizarre rematch went Chavez's way. In a highly unusual outcome, an eight-round split decision favoured Chavez when an accidental headbutt from champion Randall left the challenger unable to continue.

1. Evander Holyfield beat Mike Tyson, TKO, November 1996; Holyfield beats Tyson, by disqualification, June 1997

Tyson effectively set up camp at the MGM Grand in the second half of the 1990s, having spent a large chunk of the first half behind bars after a rape conviction. He and promoter King landed a mega-money six-fight deal with the venue, after Tyson's comeback began there with a first-round win, by disqualification, over Peter McNeeley in August 1995.

A March 1996 dust-up with Britain's Frank Bruno was a major money-spinner, but nothing touched the prospect of a long-awaited collision with Evander Holyfield for commercial potential.

Holyfield and Tyson had been due to clash at Caesars Palace in November 1991, but a rib injury suffered by Tyson, followed by his incarceration, put paid to that.

Their 1996 showdown was billed as 'Finally', and the first fight – though now often overlooked because of what followed – was a monumental contest in heavyweight history, Tyson succumbing to just the second defeat of his professional career.

It featured thudding head collisions and the sight of Tyson being outboxed by the underdog until enough was enough for referee Mitch Halpern, who stepped in to stop the fight in the 11th round.

Halpern was kept busy that night but was prevented from officiating the rematch seven months later after a complaint from the Tyson camp, with Mills Lane stepping in at late notice.

It was to prove extraordinary, as Tyson bit both of Holyfield's ears during clinches in round three, spitting out a chunk of cartilage onto the canvas at one stage before outrageously claiming a punch had caused the injury.

Lane said it was a "b******t" explanation and disqualified Tyson, who was banned indefinitely. After a year, 'Iron Mike' had his licence back, but his glory days were over, those bites now more famous than any punch he ever threw.

What happens in Vegas no longer stays in Vegas. Instead, it is beamed around the world, with Fury and Wilder next under the spotlight.

It has been 14 months since two of boxing's most eccentric characters fought to a contentious draw for Wilder's WBC heavyweight world title.

Predictions have been rolling in from pundits, fans and fellow boxers alike prior to Saturday's blockbuster clash.

Here we take a look at how the biggest names in the sport see the bout panning out.

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman – I pick Tyson Fury on points

"It's going to be good for boxing. I love it. I pick Tyson Fury to win on points," he told bookies.com "Millions will watch it, and it'll probably be a controversial decision. That Deontay Wilder can punch. Oh, he can hit, and he can hit hard. I think they're going to tear the wall down there because that rematch will be seen by a lot of people."

Anthony Joshua, the IBF, WBA and WBO world champion – Tyson Fury has more to his arsenal

"He [Fury] has more to his arsenal so that's why I'm leaning to him. Fury can punch a bit," 'AJ' said to Sky Sports. "He's underestimated with his punching power which makes him dangerous. If you underestimate someone it makes them dangerous because you don't respect them until you get hit."

Wladimir Klitschko – I wish, believe it or not, Fury might make it

"Either Wilder is going to knock out Fury or Fury is going to win on points," Klitschko, dethroned as heavyweight champion by Fury in 2015, told The National. "Personally, I respect Wilder a lot – he was in my training camp, we spent rounds in the ring. As many knockouts as he has, you’ve probably no one else, in current times, any heavyweights, including me. I think, or I wish, that actually Fury, believe it or not, might make it."

Ex-world champion 'Iron' Mike Tyson – I'm rooting for Tyson Fury 

"I always root for him because he was named after me. That’s the natural thing to do, right? I'm biased towards him," the ex-heavyweight champ told BT Sport. "I don't care how hard you punch, it's hard to beat somebody who doesn't wanna quit."

Heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz – Deontay Wilder by knockout

"Tyson Fury and Wilder are two different fighters, but I don't think Wilder will respect him in the rematch, and I see the outcome by a knockout victory," Ortiz said after being floored by Wilder in their own rematch in November.

Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield – At any one time Deontay Wilder can get you with one shot

"Now it's which guy is going to fight his fight like this. I think at any given time, Deontay can get you out with one shot," Holyfield told Fight Hub TV. "Tyson Fury, it's going to take him a lot of shots to get you out. He ain't gonna get you out with one. It's gonna take a lot of shots to get you out. So I think it’s going to be a little bit more difficult for him."

Three-time world champion Lennox Lewis – Right now, Deontay's looking good

"I think it's gonna be an unbelievable fight, the boxer against the puncher," Lewis told Boxing Social. No predictions. I would have to say, right now, Deontay's looking good."

Shelley Finkel, Wilder's manager – This time they will do the count correctly

"This time the count will be done correctly and you will see Deontay’s hand raised and they will announce he is still heavyweight champion, by knockout," Finkel said in quotes reported by Max Boxing.

Frank Warren, Fury's promoter – Tyson will have all the answers

"At the end of the day, Tyson got up twice from those knockdowns [in the first fight]," Warren told talkSPORT. "So he showed what he was made of and I just feel Tyson is a complete boxer. He can box, he can punch, he can be southpaw, he can be orthodox and he's a very smart guy. And I think he will have all the answers for him this time."

The in-ring reunion between the pair has been near the top of boxing fans' wish lists ever since Fury incredibly climbed off the canvas in the 12th round of their drawn first meeting 14 months ago.

Wilder's WBC heavyweight title will again be on the line, with the champion set to compete on a grander stage than he did in Los Angeles and against a significantly fitter opponent.

It all makes for a tantalising prospect and, if this weekend's bout delivers the same drama as the first, it will surely go down as one of the great heavyweight rematches.

FURY OUT TO COMPLETE REDEMPTION

Fury has spoken openly about his battle with drugs and depression and his return to the kind of level he displayed in the first fight with Wilder is one of modern-day sport's most remarkable redemption stories.

However, the one thing his journey from losing the belts he won in a shock victory over Wladimir Klitschko to his return to the big stage lacks is a storybook ending. 

He has the chance to deliver that in Las Vegas. If he is indeed "match fit" as he has repeatedly claimed, Fury can afford to have great hope of seizing that opportunity.

CAN WILDER FINISH THE JOB?

As with Fury, the December 2018 stalemate is the only blemish on Wilder's record.

The Bronze Bomber could hardly have done more to secure the victory, but he goes into this fight facing questions over whether he can put Fury down for good this time around.

Wilder has said he will target a cut around the eye Fury suffered in his last fight. His success in opening up that old wound could prove key to settling things in his favour.

THE CHALLENGER'S GAMBLES

In the gambling capital of the world, Fury has signalled his intent to put everything on the line to win the WBC strap.

The Briton has spoken frequently about his desire to knock Wilder out. A more aggressive strategy would carry an inherent risk and potentially give Wilder more chances to unleash fearsome flurries of his own.

Wilder is not infallible and looked close to being stopped in the first of his two victories over Luis Ortiz. However, Fury's apparent change in strategy seems counter-productive given how he controlled the first fight.

A late change in trainer from Ben Davison to Sugarhill Steward also served to raise eyebrows and questions will be asked of that move and the change in approach should the challenger fall short.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE WINNER?

Regardless of who wins the sequel, there are already reports of an agreement being in place for the pair to complete a trilogy of fights. 

Yet, if there is a victor this time around, the spectre of Anthony Joshua, who holds every other world title belt in the division, will loom large for the champion.

Joshua appears to have a laundry list of opponents to keep him busy in the meantime. Yet eventually Fury and Wilder will have to end their spell as dance partners and the focus will turn a unification bout with Joshua that would mark the most significant heavyweight fight in decades.

The two former heavyweight champions are widely reported to be in discussions for what would be one of the most fiercely anticipated fights in recent years.

Joshua is on the hunt for a new opponent after responding to back-to-back defeats with victory over Jermaine Franklin earlier this month, while Wilder beat Robert Helenius in October after consecutive losses to Tyson Fury.

Both fighters are keen to work their way up the rankings to earn another shot at the titles and, with the pair having history with Fury and Usyk, a meeting in the ring is a favoured option for many fans.

Should a blockbuster clash in Saudi Arabia occur, Wilder is confident he would see off Joshua with a knockout.

"What we expecting? I'm gonna just put it like this, I'll just keep it sweet, I'm gonna give Saudi their first knockout victim," he told ES News.

Earlier this week, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn revealed he was travelling to the Far East to discuss the potential fight.

Remarkably, the proposals are to have Wilder and Joshua face off on the same card as a unification bout between Fury and Usyk.

"There have definitely been conversations that have taken place, just of plans, where people would like to host Fury against Usyk and AJ against Wilder on the same night," he told IFL TV.

"It will cost a lot of money, but it would be epic, and we will have those conversations."

Last week, Fury dismissed those rumours on social media but, in his latest update, promised fans of a "monstrous" fight in his return to the ring.

"I've got some massive, massive news coming. An imminent fight date, an absolutely monstrous fight. Keep tuned because the WBC heavyweight king is back in action, coming very, very soon," he said.

The Bronze Bomber has not fought since defeat to Tyson Fury in Las Vegas last year but makes his return to the ring on Saturday against the 31-3 Robert Helenius in Brooklyn.

Wilder's return to the ring is the start of a journey he hopes will lead him back to the heavyweight belts, held by Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, but he also harbours aspirations of fighting Joshua.

A bout between Wilder and Joshua would have previously been an encounter between the two top-ranked heavyweights across the globe but the pair's standing has taken a hit following their back-to-back losses against Fury and Usyk respectively.

Despite that, Wilder is adamant that a clash is still the number one draw for boxing fans and wants to bring the fight to Africa.

"I would love to do that fight in Africa. It's still the number one fight in the world for everyone. Everywhere I go, people always talk about me versus Joshua," he told BBC Sport.

"We both have roots from there.I think it would be an amazing place to have it, to go back home.

"To go back to the motherland. A continent full of our people. I can just see that being an amazing fight, win, lose or draw.

"I think we'll get the respect and love from all the people over there."

Joshua and Wilder were previously in discussions for what would have been an undisputed bout in 2019 and 2020, while AJ has recently seen talks for a fight with Fury collapse as the pair were unable to agree to terms.

Wilder foresees no similar issues in discussions with the Brit though, adding: "We're serious and we just need them to be serious as well. We tried to make the fight and it didn't happen. It's a new day and time. All things are possible."

Wilder was knocked out in the 11th round by Fury in a slugfest between the pair for the WBC world championship on Saturday in Las Vegas.

The 35-year-old American challenger did manage to drop the unbeaten British star twice in the fourth, but the fight was stopped in the penultimate round after Fury landed a series of brutal strikes to end Wilder's resistance.

It was the third meeting between the heavyweight rivals, following a contentious split-decision draw in the first clash in December 2018 and then Fury's dominant victory to end Wilder's unbeaten record in February 2020.

But despite losing the trilogy fight, trainer Scott assured Wilder would not hang up his boxing gloves yet.

"Deontay [Wilder] has set his family financially secure, so he doesn't have to fight to make a living," Scott told iFL TV.

"But retiring is not in his plans at all and not something we've discussed.

"He will be back in any form he wants to be. He's a big-time fighter, and he doesn't belong down there with the other guys, he needs to be in high-level fights and main events.

"Deontay Wilder was great on Saturday, but Tyson Fury was even greater – it was a great night of boxing for the heavyweight division.

"You have to give Fury credit for having a good chin and getting up. Fury is a legend and one of the best in the heavyweight division in any era, and it's the same about Deontay."

Scott was appointed by Wilder following the second bout with the 'Gypsy King' after his then-trainer Mark Breland threw the towel into the ring for a seventh-round stoppage.

But while the two boxers exchanged several knockdowns at the T-Mobile Arena in the final contest, Scott insisted there was never a moment he considered waving the white flag for Wilder.

"Over the years of me knowing Deontay, he has always said throwing the towel in with a knockout artist like him wouldn't be tolerated," he said.

"It's something I respected. The last knockdown was the worst knockdown and the ref called it off.

"Deontay and Mark [Breland] never had a relationship outside the gym, they never talked for more than five minutes on a phone call. 

"Me and Deontay would never fall out and not speak again – our bond is too tight."

Wilder, a former WBC heavyweight champion, is set to fight Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia on Saturday in his first fight since October 2022.

His last bout was a first round knockout of Robert Helenius, his first fight since losing the third meeting with Tyson Fury in their epic trilogy.

Wilder claims he has not missed the sport during his time out of the ring, telling Stats Perform: "I've been enjoying my life.

"I've been enjoying all my children and enjoying all the loved ones and all my brothers that's been around, so life hasn't been bad for me. It's been amazing.

"So I can't say that I miss it. When you're having so much fun outside of the ring, how can you miss anything when you have so much love around you?

"I think boxing has missed me more than I have missed boxing."

Saturday's fight with Parker could offer Wilder a way back into the heavyweight title picture, with reports that a two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua, who is fighting Otto Wallin on the same card, has been agreed ahead of this weekend's event in Riyadh.

Any slip-ups this weekend will likely spell trouble for that agreement, but Wilder is feeling confident ahead of his fight, saying: "Camp has been amazing. My whole team has been amazing. Being here in Riyadh has been amazing.

"We've put in the rounds and we're ready to go. They say when you put in the work, you have no doubts in yourself.

"When you turn all stones, there's no doubt. And I've done that and more, especially in this short period of time. I'm very proud of myself, of what I've been able to achieve in a short amount of time.

"I think the world is going to be very excited and they're going to be surprised at what their eyes will see come Saturday night.

"I am looking forward to Saturday night. I'm always excited to get back in the ring, to put on a great performance, to knock someone out as people come to see me knock them out."

Wilder has received criticism for comments he has made in the past, once saying he wanted to kill a man in the ring to "put a body" on his record.

Wilder feels the backlash of those comments is unfair, explaining: "Sometimes I have to hold my words of what I want to say because, you know, when I say certain things, I get criticised, I get stones thrown at me.

"But if somebody else says the same thing, they don't have the same punishment. I think because when I say certain things, I think because people know that I can actually do it, then they cast stones at me.

"But they're just as guilty because you pay to watch it, see it happen. So if I speak it, you're paying to see it. So you're just as guilty as I [am] saying it."

All eyes will be on the MGM Grand, where American star Wilder puts his WBC belt on the line against Fury in the second instalment of their rivalry on Saturday.

The first bout between Wilder (42-0-1) and former WBA, IBF and WBO champion Fury (29-0-1) ended in a contentious draw in December 2018.

As the two unbeaten heavyweight fighters prepare to face-off once more, Wilder poked fun at Fury.

"Fury, like I have said before, has got pillows as fists," Wilder told Sky Sports News. "That's why I was able to continue applying pressure on him [in the last fight].

"We all know that Fury can't punch. The numbers don't lie, we can see that my two-year-old punches harder than him.

"I don't believe anything he's saying. Fighters have to have certain strategies and tactics when approaching a fight.

"Sometimes you have to manipulate people – and he's trying to get them to believe something even he doesn't."

Fury confirmed there is an agreement in place for a third bout between the pair, regardless of the outcome in Saturday's showdown.

Previewing his second meeting with Wilder, challenger Fury cranked up the war of words.

"I knew coming back to America that I couldn't come on a whim again and get a fair decision," Fury said.

"Deontay Wilder is the only heavyweight champion America has had in a long time and he is the longest reigning since Muhammad Ali and they don't want to let him go. But the 'Gypsy King' is going to dethrone him, rip his heart out and feed it to him."

A Wilder-Fury trilogy has been touted after the latter stripped the American of the WBC title in February's rematch at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Wilder (41-1-1) has the right to a third bout against British star Fury (30-0-1) and while December 19 has been talked of as a potential date for their next battle, nothing has been confirmed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been claims that Wilder no longer has a contractual clause for the rematch, leaving Anthony Joshua to take on Fury instead.

However, Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports: "They are wrong, we will fight in December."

It comes as Fury's co-promoter Frank Warren raised doubts over the in-demand fight.

"I don't know if that fight can get on this year," Warren told BT Sport. "Promoters on both sides, we have worked very hard to make it happen, but it's looking like it will not happen.

"There's talk about it happening next year. Tyson has been training like a lot of guys solidly since February, and he wants to fight this year.

"My concern is Tyson's welfare and well-being, and delivering what he wants, so he will fight this year. Contractual commitments are what they are, but contracts do not go on forever and if the fight cannot be delivered within the contractual period, Tyson will move on and maybe revisit the fight another time.

"He will be out this year because that's what he wants."

It capped off an unbelievable fight, where Wood was dropped in the first round before mounting an incredible comeback in the 11th and 12th rounds when clearly behind on the scorecards.

Speaking with DAZN Boxing after stepping out of the ring, defending-champion Wood made it clear that while the victory was sweet, his thoughts were with the man he shared a ring with for more than half an hour.

"I hope Michael's alright," he said.

"I can't really celebrate yet until I know he's alright – my thoughts are with him at the minute."

Promoter Eddie Hearn, while also sympathetic to Conlan's situation, was also willing to discuss what this win could mean for Wood going forward.

Undefeated since the commencement of the boxing competition, professional boxer Jermaine "Breezy" Richards steps back into the ring for his third match of the season at the Breezy Castle fights. The event will also showcase a fresh set of female challengers vying for supremacy in the boxing arena.

The upcoming spectacle will witness the return of Ian Darby, captivating the audience for the second time following his exhilarating bout against Fabian 'Truck' Tucker on October 7, 2023.

Jamaica Boxing Board President, Stephen Jones, expressed confidence that the series has firmly established its presence among Jamaicans and is poised to deliver high-quality boxing competition for local athletes.

"The popularity of the Fight Night series has surpassed our expectations, putting us in a fantastic position. With more eyes on the sport and Jamaica as a boxing destination, the next fight card will feature at least six amateur bouts and two professional matchups. Notably, fan favorites Jermaine 'Breezy' Richards and Ian 'The Impact' Darby will face formidable Colombian opponents, promising our most exciting night to date," stated President Jones.

Pavel Smith, Marketing Manager of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, expressed enthusiasm about the advancement of local boxing careers and the overwhelming support from fans.

"In just three stagings, we've witnessed the resurgence of love and support for local boxing. Fans are enthusiastic, and boxers are eager to showcase their talent and elevate their careers. We are delighted to see increased attendance at the events and invite all boxing enthusiasts to Breezy Castle on December 16 for the grand finale of the Wray & Nephew boxing series," remarked Smith.

Sponsored by Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, Television Jamaica, Pepsi Jamaica, Ultra Medical Services, Locker Room Sports, S & G Road Surfacing Materials Limited, and Creative Sports, the Wray & Nephew Fight Nights series, which commenced in July, is set to captivate boxing fans well into 2024.

Yafai (26-0) has held the WBA belt since December 2016 but has secured a considerable challenge in the form of Gonzalez (48-2), a former four-weight champion.

The Nicaraguan, one of the outstanding pound-for-pound fighters of the past decade, previously reigned as the WBC super-fly king prior to consecutive defeats to Wisaksil Wangek in 2017.

Yafai had failed to secure a meeting with existing WBC champion Juan Francisco Estrada before this bout was agreed and announced by Matchroom on Thursday.

The Briton said: "I wanted the biggest possible fight available and, after the Juan Francisco Estrada unification fell through, I had the opportunity to fight 'Chocolatito', the former pound-for-pound king.

"'Chocolatito' is someone that I have idolised as I worked my way up to become world champion myself. So it doesn't get much bigger than this.

"It will bring out the best in me. I can't wait. It is a case of when idols become rivals. I'm so honoured to share the ring with him but also show the world that I am an elite world champion."

Paul and Tommy Fury are set to finally meet in the ring on August 6 in New York after months of going numerous rounds on social media.

The pair were due to fight in December but Tommy Fury withdrew due to illness and injury. Attempts to reschedule the bout were initially fruitless, with Paul declaring his rival had blown his chance.

However, a breakthrough was finally reached this week after both fighters confirmed on social media that they were set to face off.

In a recent interview, heavyweight champion and Tommy's elder half-brother Tyson said he would have no issues betting £100,000 on his relative overcoming Paul.

Paul responded to that on social media, telling Fury: "You made $40 million, let's up the ante, let's bet a million, two million, however much you want to bet on it!" 

Not one to back down from a challenge, Fury posted a video of his own on social media, saying he would gladly raise the bet to $1m.

"This is a message for Jake Paul," he said. "I hear you want to bet a bigger bet than $100,000. You want a bigger bet, you want $1m. Let's do it! You want a million, you got it!"

Victory came in front of the Ukrainian at ringside, who holds the other three heavyweight belts, and it is widely expected that a unification fight is next on the agenda.

There has not been a unified heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis at the turn of the millennium and such a bout has evaded Fury in recent years, having seen an agreement to fight Anthony Joshua fall away after the pandemic.

Fury has made it abundantly clear on the next step he wants to take in his career, going face-to-face with Usyk in front of the cameras.

"Where's Oleksandr Usyk, the rabbit? You're next, you little b****, you're getting it," he said in the ring.

"15 stone little midget beat a bodybuilder [referring to Anthony Joshua], but I'm not a bodybuilder. I've already beaten one Ukrainian in [Wladimir] Klitschko. Let's get it on. I will end you. What you going to do? You're going to do f*** all.

"I can't wait. All these big fights have been evaded for so long, but they can't run away anymore. They can run but they can't hide."

Fury and Usyk were also joined in the ring by Joe Joyce, with the Gypsy King taking the opportunity to call out his compatriot as a future opponent.

"Why don't us three do a Royal Rumble?" Fury asked. "Big Joe Joyce is here, he's a warrior. Everyone else is scared of you, so if [Usyk] doesn't want it, let's me and you do Wembley.

"I want Oleksandr Usyk next. If not you, Joe Joyce. I've got some hand problems, I've got to maybe have some surgery on my elbow, but after that, I'm open to anyone.

"I had the left done after the [Deontay] Wilder fight, it will take about six to eight weeks to heal. We'll see when we can be ready, we will see when it can be made."

Speaking earlier in the night ahead of the Fury-Chisora fight, Usyk dubbed the potential bout between him and Fury as one that is clamoured for across the globe.

"The whole of Great Britain, the whole world, especially Ukraine, everyone wants to see this fight happen," he told Sky Sports.

Wilder suffered a technical knockout defeat to Fury almost 20 months ago at MGM Grand after their drama-filled first fight in December 2018 ended with a split-decision draw.

The pair face off again at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this weekend as unbeaten Fury makes the first defence of his WBC world heavyweight title.

And Fury continued to goad his rival, who made a string of excuses for the defeat last time out – the first of his professional career – at Wednesday's final news conference.

"You're in denial and you're going to get knocked out and retire," Fury said.

"Your legacy is in bits. All the excuses, you've been destroyed. No one has believed you. They're all laughing at you like a weak piece of s***.

"You're a weak man, you're getting knocked out."

Wilder has remained largely quiet in the build-up to the high-profile bout but he eventually rose to the taunts, insisting Fury is not capable of knocking him out on Saturday.

"You don't know nothing about knocking anyone out. You don't have knockout power. You're not a knockout artist."

Responding to Wilder's "legacy" claims, Wilder said: "When you know the truth, they say the truth will set you free. 

"I have no pressure, there is nothing to lose, everything to gain.

"All the pressure is on him. Your legacy only dies when the man dies, when the desire and fire in your heart dies, when that dies so does your legacy, and I am well alive.

"We have got a lot of things in line, in order, this is what the world needs to know, there is a lot of things I could put out there, but silence is golden."

Both men were set for a traditional stare down after exchanging words, but promoter Bob Arum called it off and the boxers left the stage in opposite directions.

"At the end, we were going to do a face-off and Wilder ran away! Welcome to my world, b****," Fury later told iFL TV.