Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder weigh-in: Challenger over 40 pounds heavier for title fight

There was a stare off after all ... but only at long range

Despite Tyson Fury’s disapproval the much-anticipated stare down took place after all — but only at long range, with around a dozen minders stood resolutely in between.

On Thursday Fury had expressed his reservations over yet another face-off after their final press conference came to blows, but a masked Deontay Wilder kept his cool outside the Staples Centre in the Californian sun.

Instead it was a topless Fury who had to be dragged away this time around, before Wilder menacingly stalked away.

The undefeated American WBC heavyweight world champion may be the favourite to win Saturday night’s fight but was dwarfed on the scales by the lineal king. Fury weighed-in at a huge 256lbs, with Wilder 43 lighter at 212.5.

That’s even less than he weighed-in at for his last fight, a thrilling knockout victory over the obstinate Cuban Luis Ortiz.

Fury enjoys an advantage on the scales and he also enjoyed a considerable advantage in supporters. The huge terrace that staged the event teamed with British supporters, who sung their man onto the stage.

They also heckled Wilder at every opportunity, with only a few timid cries of ‘Bomb Squad’ repeatedly drowned out by Fury’s much louder fans.

Fury was as energised as his fans, insisting after exiting the stage that Wilder’s “arse was flapping”.

“He doesn’t want to be in the fight and he is getting knocked out,” he added.

Wilder meanwhile claimed his previous opponent, Ortiz, was a much more menacing fighter than Fury.

A masked Deontay Wilder on the scales (C1 / BT Sport)

“Talk is cheap, tomorrow is time,” he said. “Actions speak louder than words so come tomorrow I get to release everything that is inside of me. I cannot wait.

“It's definitely the most important (fight of my career) but definitely not the most difficult. My opponent last fight (Luis Ortiz) was way more difficult than him.

“There will be one champion , one face, one name and he goes by the name of Deontay Wilder. I am going to knock him out.”

BT Sport Box Office will exclusively show Wilder v Fury on December 1st, available to buy for just £19.95, find out more at www.bt.com/sportboxoffice.