Tyson Fury has promised to remain active in the ring after weighing in significantly lighter than veteran heavyweight Mariusz Wach ahead of their showdown in Pattaya, Thailand.
The former world heavyweight champion tipped the scales at 265 pounds for Friday’s contest, while his Polish opponent weighed 291.4 pounds, leaving Wach with a weight advantage of more than 26 pounds.
It marks only the fourth time in Fury’s 39-fight professional career that he has entered a bout lighter than his opponent. The last time it happened was in his first meeting with fellow Briton Derek Chisora 15 years ago.
Despite the noticeable weight difference, Fury appeared relaxed during the weigh-in, sharing laughs with Wach before joking, “I’m Mr Slim now.”
The 37-year-old enters the fight as the overwhelming favourite against the experienced Pole, who challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the unified heavyweight world titles in 2012. However, Wach has struggled in recent years, losing 11 of his last 17 fights.
While many see Friday’s contest as a tune-up ahead of a potential blockbuster all-British clash with Anthony Joshua, Fury insists his full attention remains on the task at hand. Joshua is also scheduled to return to action this weekend against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking ahead of the fight, Fury said he is focused on staying active after spending long spells away from the ring in recent years.
“I’m getting sharper, fitter and stronger by the day,” Fury said. “I’m not banking on any fight happening that might not happen. I want to keep busy because I’m a fighter.”
He also dismissed suggestions that Wach would be an easy opponent, praising the veteran’s experience and warning against complacency.
The bout will take place before a crowd of around 2,000 spectators in Thailand. Although it will not be broadcast live on television, the fight is expected to feature in Fury’s Netflix documentary series, At Home with the Furys, giving fans an inside look at his latest comeback.
