Dillian Whyte branded John Fury, the father of his upcoming opponent, an “idiot” after he caused trouble during his face-off with Tyson Fury.
The massive all-British battle for the WBC heavyweight title is one of the most significant boxing events of the year. Fury and Whyte will fight in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium – setting an attendance record of 94,000 in the process.
Both heavyweights enter the fight on the back of wins in their last matches. Dillian Whyte avenged his August 2020 loss to Alexander Povetkin by beating the Russian via TKO in March of last year.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury comes into the all-British match following back-to-back victories over Deontay Wilder. His eleventh-round stoppage of ‘The Bronze Bomber’ was widely hailed as one of the best fights of last year.
As a result of the pair’s success, the hype for their showdown has kicked into overdrive. However, the pre-fight build-up has been less than conventional.
Unique fight build-up
Question marks over whether the fight would even happen loomed over preparations. Dillian Whyte’s no-show at the fight launch press conference concerned fans.
The London-based boxer stayed in his pre-fight camp in Portugal instead, saying he was not contractually obliged to go.
After the fight launch, both fighters decided to take a break from social media. Fury broke his social media silence at the start of April to tell everyone that he would knock the challenger out.
In contrast, Whyte finally posted to his accounts a video of him training hard.
The odd build-up to the fight finally switched to more conventional events, as the pair were finally face-to-face at the last press conference—however, even that involved controversy.
Face-off drama
After a relatively light-hearted and respectful presser, the heavyweights decided to do a traditional face-off for the cameras.
Both Fury and Whyte brought their entourages onto the stage, creating quite a large crowd to gather behind each fighter. It appeared to be going peacefully until John Fury took exception to a member of the group behind Dillian Whyte.
Tyson’s dad tried to step across to Whyte’s brother, Dean. Fury aggressively pointed and shouted across, trying to get a reaction from Whyte’s camp. The tension on stage looked to be at boiling point until Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte played peacemakers, with Fury moving his dad away from his opponent’s team.
The boxers amicably shook hands after they had moved their teams away from one another – clearly full of respect for each other.
However, Whyte was less than impressed with the antics of John Fury.
Dillian Whyte on John Fury
Speaking to BT Sport following the press conference, Whyte was confused as to what Fury was trying to do: “I’m thinking, ‘you’re an old guy, relax, what are you doing? If you get one punch, you might die.’
“If he [John Fury] wants a fight, he can fight my dad. My dad will fight him. He will fight John Fury any day of the week. If he wants a fight, he can fight someone older than him.”
The London boxer condemned his opponent’s father for his actions.
“I don’t get why he’s initiating a fight. Like, you’re an adult, you should make a good example for your kids.
“A few years ago, I’d have jumped in and started swinging. But I’ve grown up a bit and matured now, and I realise [that] this guy’s an idiot.
“Calm down. This is between me and your son. Why is he always screaming and shouting in the background of videos? Are you trying to take something away from your son? Are you desperately in need of fame? I don’t understand why.”
In addition, he pointed out that John Fury has a history of getting aggressive at pressers.
“He’s always screaming and shouting, like in that video of him shouting at Carl Frampton. Carl Frampton is five foot one. He’s like, ‘Ah, don’t you say that to my son,’ and I’m like, ‘What are you doing?’
“You’re an adult. If you’ve got a problem with the guy, go and speak to him.”
Fury responds
In response, John Fury defended his actions.
“I am a fighting man,” he told Frank Warren TV. “Sometimes, my head wants my body to do what it can’t do.
“I stepped to him [Dean Whyte]. He stepped to me. And it nearly went off. But you know something? That’s me. That’s my make-up.”
Despite all the antics from their teams, Dillian Whyte and Tyson Fury will do their talking in the ring. It promises to be a terrific showdown.
Featured image credit: Getty
