Tyson Fury tipped the scale at 256 1/2 pounds during the weigh-in before his first fight with Deontay Wilder back in December 2018.
Although Fury was able to outbox Wilder, weighing 54 pounds more than the WBC heavyweight champion didn't prevent the British boxer from tasting the canvas twice in the bout, which was eventually ruled a controversial split draw.
So for their highly-anticipated rematch Saturday, Feb. 22 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Fury isn't taking chances. During a sitdown with DAZN News' Andreas Hale on Monday, the lineal heavyweight champion of the world confirmed that he'll be aiming to tip the scale at around 270 pounds Friday and explained the thought process behind entering the ring heavier.
"I'm already a fat man waiting to jump out of these clothes," Fury explained. "I could go up to whatever weight I want to. We’re all fat in my family. Everyone’s fat. Me mother’s fat, me father’s fat and all me brothers are fat. So, we are a fat family, and I don’t need to put weight on — I just need to lose it all the time.
"So, rather than losing it, getting right down to 250, I’m just going to stay at what I’m naturally at … rather than getting it down lower," he continued. "Just being a natural heavyweight, and I’m a natural, much bigger man than Deontay Wilder, anyway."
Fury (29-0-1, 20 KOs) added that Wilder is more of a true "cruiserweight" than heavyweight. He then proceeded to break down some of the advantages of coming in heavier against a knockout artist like Wilder (42-0-1, 41 KOs).
"I think it helps give you more punch resistance, being heavier," Fury offered. "You can take a better shot when you’re heavier, more fat on you. Obviously, it’s better for pushing and shoving, and more weight equals the opponent gets tired quick."
That being said, Wilder is also expected to enter the ring heavier than the 212 1/2 pounds he posted on the scale during the December 2018 weigh-in.