Deontay Wilder made quite an entrance as he arrived in Northern Ireland on Friday, gate-crashing Tyson Fury's weigh-in and clashing with Fury's father, John.
Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs) had only landed in Belfast that afternoon but went straight to Fury's weigh-in at the Europa Hotel. Fury (26-0, 19 KOs) was being measured ahead of Saturday's fight against Francesco Pianeta. Wilder will be ringside for the fight, and a November bout between him and Fury is expected to be announced immediately afterward.
Wilder, the WBC heavyweight champion, stormed into the room as Fury was being weighed Friday and shouted, "Bomb squad!" Fury's father, who was on the stage, had to be held back as the pair shouted at each other after a brief handshake.
WBC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER IN BELFAST, CLASHES WITH JOHN FURY AT WEIGH IN 😲@BronzeBomber @Tyson_Fury pic.twitter.com/DooOwoI1IU
— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) August 17, 2018
Following the weigh-in, Wilder and Fury clashed outside, with the two fighters separated by security.
Hahaha @Tyson_Fury yes champ pic.twitter.com/ygEkEn3QtK
— Rocky Fielding (@Rocky87Fielding) August 17, 2018
Fury weighed in at 18st 6lbs (258 pounds) ahead of only his second fight in almost three years and is over a stone lighter than he was in June, ahead of his clash with Sefer Seferi. Fury has now undergone a remarkable transformation since ballooning to 27st (378 pounds) during his period of inactivity.
Pianeta weighed in lighter than Fury at 18st (252 pounds) exactly.