Fury, Schwarz all smiles ahead of Vegas showdown
Tyson Fury faces Tom Schwarz at the MGM Grand on Saturday.
LAS VEGAS (AFP) - Tyson Fury joked his way through a light-hearted showdown with Germany s Tom Schwarz on Wednesday as the two heavyweights prepare to face off in Las Vegas this weekend.
British star Fury, who thrust himself back into the heavyweight reckoning with a thrilling draw against WBC champion Deontay Wilder last December, was all smiles as he wisecracked and laughed with heavy underdog Schwarz.
"We re here to fight. Tom s trained hard, I ve trained hard," said Fury.
"I m really looking forward to getting in there and kicking some ass," added Fury, who faces Schwarz at the MGM Grand on Saturday.
Fury (27-0-1, 19 KOs) is fighting for the first time since inking a lucrative deal with US broadcaster ESPN, worth a reported $103 million for five bouts.
The deal is expected to encompass a rematch with Wilder, who has already stated he plans to face Fury again in early 2020.
Fury meanwhile, barechested under a flamboyant suit, told reporters Wednesday he was revelling in the spotlight ahead of his Las Vegas debut.
"I m very chilled," Fury said. "The crowd has warmed to me, it s been welcoming, and all different types of people from all over the world are in Vegas. I ve been surprised really and it s been humbling.
"It s a great experience to be in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, where all the big fights happen, seeing your face up on all the movie screens and posters.
"It s what I was born to do. I believe the fight with Wilder only helped with my profile in the US."
Schwarz meanwhile took a back seat, happy to joke along as Fury, the self-styled "Gypsy King", held court.
Schwarz (24-0, 16 KO) is an overwhelming underdog, but has spoken of his determination to pull off an upset that would rival Andy Ruiz Jr s defeat of Anthony Joshua on June 1.
"A fight in Las Vegas against Tyson Fury is a dream come true," he told ESPN. "While I appreciate Tyson as a great fighter and a sportsman, I am young, ambitious and in the top of the world rankings. I ve won 24 fights. I ve got nothing to lose, and my 25th victory will come against Fury."
