Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter says he wants to see John Fury apologise for his role in a bust-up between the two entourages that led Tyson’s father bleeding from the forehead.
Usyk and Tyson Fury are preparing for their undisputed showdown in Saudi Arabia where all four belts will be on the line this Saturday.
The fighters and their teams have now arrived in Riyadh for fight week and tempers have already boiled over between the two parties.
The scuffle came after the two camps crossed paths in a hotel ahead of media interviews, with chants of ‘Fury’ and ‘Usyk’ being heard before video showed a member of Team Usyk going head-to-head with John.
After a brief melee, John Fury would emerge with blood pouring down his forehead and the two camps went their separate ways.
Following the encounter, Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk explained what had happened and called upon John Fury to apologise for his role in the incident.
“It’s normal for two teams to come together,” Krassyuk told Sky Sports News. “I looked back and saw John Fury’s forehead bleeding. And that was already the point where I started to be a little cautious to what I said to Oleks, listen, let me jump in.
“I have an impression that one of our guys made the headbutt, hit him with the forehead. So I jumped in and said, 'hey guys, let’s calm down.' Then I came to the team and said if it was one of my guys, I give you my word it’s my responsibility, I promise you I will take care of that.
“That’s what I said to him. We shook hands, we hugged each other, we said bye-bye. Then I saw the video and it turned out to be a little bit different from my first impression.”
Krassyuk then added that he would like to see John Fury apologise over the incident, adding that the two parties should be setting an example for younger boxing fans.
“I will not take my apologies away because I wasn’t there to stop it, that’s my fault. On the other hand, it would be nice if we hear some apologies from John, because it was his behaviour.
“This is the sport of boxing. We are now in the historical event. The undisputed, first time in history, four belts era. We are the example for the whole world. The whole world is watching and new generations, kids, are taking us as an example.
"What would they see from this? What would they make from it? Of course there’s going to be some danger, but it’s up to him. If he wants to apologise, it’s up to him. I will not take my apologies away, because it happened and it shouldn’t have happened.”
Live on DAZN PPV: Fury vs. Usyk on May 18. Click here for details.