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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Luke Brown

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder press conference ends abruptly in brawl

Another Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury press conference. Another stage-clearing brawl.

The heavyweight rivals once again had to be separated by security in Los Angeles as tensions boiled over ahead of their heavyweight world title fight on Saturday.

Relive all of the drama below.


Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of the *final* Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury press conference.
 
You can watch the presser right here and follow live coverage from me in LA. 
Before we get started, don't miss out on this exclusive interview with Deontay Wilder's trainer, who is very confident his man could beat a 'one-dimensional' Anthony Joshua...
 
Yesterday, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder put their differences aside to unite and donate tickets to this weekend's crunch world heavyweight title clash to a group of California firefighters.

The pair face off in Los Angeles on Saturday night with the American's WBC strap and a pair of unbeaten records on the line.

The much-anticipated fight comes against the backdrop of devastating wildfires in the region that have claimed the lives of 88 people and left thousands homeless.

"These guys have risked their lives each and every day. I risk my life in the ring so it’s a connection to do that, a bond," Wilder said as he posed at a local fire station.

Everything is being set up here in downtown Los Angeles.
 
The final press conference is scheduled to get underway in just under an hour. 
And now, a shameless plug for this Lennox Lewis retrospective written by yours truly.
 
"One fighter is in the building and one is on his way to the building. He's very close."
 
We might actually be starting on time!
Five minutes to go, which is coincidentally just enough time to read this...
 
Here we go. Tyson has just arrived. Wilder still making his way to the stage.
Both men are on stage. Fury in a sharp suit and loud shirt and Wilder in his customary hoody.
Here we go, Stephen Espinoza to the stage.
"Heavyweight boxing is back. When it comes to PPV fights, I can't think of two guys I would rather do this fight with. The reality is, neither one should be here. They shouldn't be alive, they shouldn't be fighting for the title.
 
"You know Tyson's story, he beat the odds just to make it through his first year of life. We all know his recent struggles. He has beaten the odds. He has been beating them his entire life.
 
"Deontay has also beaten the odds. Who would have thought when he picked up a pair of gloves at 18 he would soon be the heavyweight champion of the world. Not bad for a kid with dreams of playing football and basketball before boxing."
Now a plug for the All Access documentary series, which is, admittedly, very good.
Frank Warren to the stage.
"It's a pleasure to be here. We have a great fight coming up. Ben Davidson has done a fantastic job getting Tyson ready. Roach is part of the team. It's 3 years to the day when Fury first won the world championship. He won it in style, won every round and came back with the prize. That's what he will do Saturday.
 
"As Espinosa said, his troubles have been well documented. He has come from rock bottom to be here. Not as a contender but as the lineal champion. He has been a professional, trained hard. Now he is not training to make weight but training for the fight. Deontay is a big puncher but if boxing was all about big punching, you wouldn't need judges.
 
"I know Tyson is in a great place. For me that is the biggest and toughest part of him overcoming his problems. In five years he has had seven fights. There is no mileage on the clock. He is not shopworn. Look at him, he is in tremendous nick."
 
Fury interjects to acknowledge he is "f*cking flying".
 
And now Warren introduces the man himself. 
Tyson takes the mic.
"I feel like the president of this hotel getting up here. Thank to everybody who turned up. We have travelled a long way. It's my anniversary today so I want people to sing for me. I'm only three days from doing the same to the Bronze Bomber. I am the lineal heavyweight champion of the world.
 
"It has been a fantastic training camp. I'm injury free. Sparring went fantastic. No complaints, no arguments, no marks on this beautiful face. I am going to do a job and enjoy myself. I have been looking forward to this fight since 2011 and have been counting down the days.
 
"I am going to punch his face right through. People keep saying Wilder KO or Fury by points. But I am telling you he is getting knocked out by my on Saturday night."
Here's Lou DiBella. 
 
"Go on baldy!" shouts Fury.
"As goes the heavyweight division so goes boxing. We know Fury deserves to be here and presents a threat. He's a champion. He's a great champion. He is also a champion for people with struggles: mental health, addiction, drugs. He's an inspiration and no matter what happens Fury has my respect.
 
"Wilder is the best heavyweight champion in the world. His team have worked tirelessly for years to get him this champion. And finally we have another champion brave enough to get in the ring with Deontay and allow him to realise his dream.
 
"He hasn't had an easy road. He got into the sport late. He has faced obstacle after obstacle. But he has believed in himself and a higher power. On Saturday night, he is going to receive his just rewards. The baddest man on the planet, the Bronze Bomber, Deontay Wilder."
Wilder to the mic.
"This is going to be an amazing event. I am so happy in my camp, in my life, it is unbelievable you can be so happy, especially considering my last camp and what I had to overcome.
 
"I'm so happy to be in LA. To have the fight here, to change up the vibe and the energy. It's going to be a special night, a special fight. I can't wait. And the time is ticking. There is only three days left: can you feel the energy? The anticipation? The two best heavyweights in the world.
 
"I have been waiting for this moment my entire career. Fury had his time. When he beat Klitschko he had his window. How he took upon his responsibilities as a champion, that was up to him. We can't blame him for having a little fun, he deserved it. But now it is my time. I have seen all the other fighters doing their thing and have said not one thing. I have always been happy for these guys to make it. But it seemed like all these guys want to be better than me, have more credibility than me. 
 
"I care about showing the people what I am all about. My nan told me I was anointed by god, and I will tell you, I will preach it to you that I am the baddest man on the planet. It took me a long time to get here but this is a big world. It's easy to make it in his country, it's a small place. It's harder here. I have given this sport everything. And now I am here and I will be damned if I let a man from another country come over here and upset what I have been building for.
 
"He says he will KO me but I know he doesn't believe that. If he's going to KO me out why didn't he hit the Pinata? He couldn't knock him out. My numbers don't lie. I haven't got to say that I am the best. And I will show you.
 
"It's so beautiful to have two great guys with great stories. We all have stories. But we are going to see who is the best. Who is the best in the division. One champ, one face, one name. That is what I am seeking. I will knock him out. You guys will see me do that. When have I ever been wrong? I have all the power to prove everybody wrong. I'm the puncher and he's the boxer? Same thing happened when I fought Stiverne. What happened to the boxer: he got his ass beat?
 
"I am going to show you how well I can box. I'm gonna beat his ass and then knock him out. Over and over again. I don't play this. When I put my life on the line it is serious for me. The clock is ticking. I'm here baby, I'm among the stars and we are going to bring the stars out. "

Final press conference — all you need to know

When is it on?

The press conference starts at midday in Los Angeles. That’s 8pm in the United Kingdom.

How can I watch?

Simply watch the embedded stream above.

You can also follow our live commentary.

When are the weigh-ins?

The weigh-ins will take place on Friday.

And when is the fight?

The fight is on Saturday night. It’s impossible to say exactly when it will start, but you’re likely going to have to stay up until around 4-5am if you’re a UK fight fan. Sorry!

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