Things got very heated at the weigh-in ahead of Sunday morning's WBO heavyweight title fight in Manchester between Joseph Parker and Hughie Fury, with the rival entourages needing to be separated by security.
After Parker weighed in at 111 kg, 5kg heavier than Fury, they stood toe-to-toe for the traditional stare-down. Neither fighter was keen to look away, as they eyeballed each other for well over a minute, throwing insults at each other.
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Fury gave Parker a shove that sent the Kiwi reeling, and Team Parker weren't pleased. Parker later revealed what was discussed.
"He said that he's going to be the new champion. I said, 'Good luck,' and I said, 'I'm going to test your chin out, I back my chin, do you back yours?' I kept calling him 'little boy'. 'Just relax little boy, save your energy for tomorrow.' Obviously that triggered something inside."
The British fighter also gave his account of the conversation.
"Just rambling on about shit, really. Sorry for my language, just a lot of rubbish out of his mouth, we'll see who's talking after tomorrow night. Obviously something's gotten under his skin. I truly believe he doesn't think he's going to win - he's coming over here just for a payday. I think we're going to see Joseph Parker on his arse."
Parker was quick to return to his normal laidback demeanour, joking that Fury liked his freshly waxed chest.
"I think he was just jealous - he had a hairy chest, mine looked smoother and better, and I think he wanted a part of it. He had to reach out and grab me."
Parker was less complimentary about Fury's physique.
"I feel a lot bigger and stronger. He's taller, but I don't see a lot of muscle - I saw a beer gut. I don't think he's been doing his abs daily, but it will soon be tested. I'm looking at putting in a big show, and a lot of body punches."
Parker is noticeably more muscular in the upper body, and that could prevent Fury from tying him up in any clinches.
"If it's anything to do with me I don't think he'll be strong enough," says Parker.
"I back myself and my power, I back myself to back him up, and when it gets into the clinch I'm going to attack while I'm in there and hurt him. I think he'll wear himself out, and if he tries to grab me or get into a clinch, I'll try my best to throw him down or throw him away. I don't want him to hold me - this is boxing".
Fury and Parker weren't the only ones getting testy. Undercard fighters Peter McDonagh and Shane Singleton had to be restrained after McDonagh threw a punch. It was clearly thirsty work - McDonagh then polished off a bottle of Guinness to rapturous applause from the Manchester crowd.
Parker v Fury is available on Sky Arena, 8am Sunday September 24th NZT
Newshub.
