John Fury says he won't be going to Cardiff to watch his son fight Anthony Joshua, despite expressing delight that the bout will land in the Welsh capital.
One of the most hotly-anticipated fights in British boxing has finally been pencilled in for December 11 at the Principality Stadium, with the announcement putting an end to years of speculation that has punctuated one of the sport's most fierce rivalries.
Fury's father praises Cardiff venue
Joshua has fought at the Principality Stadium twice before, so will likely be used to the surroundings that await him on the night, and the special atmosphere that could be in store, with fans from all over the world expected to descend on Cardiff. Some Cardiff homes are already charging £5,000 to stay in the Welsh capital for the fight.
But while this will be Fury's first time at the venue, father John believes it's the best venue possible for the fight, citing the backing for his son from Welsh fans.
"Cardiff's got a roof on it," he told Playbook Boxing. "The Welsh are a great nation. The best men in the UK come out of Wales."
"They've got the best singers and everything. Tom Jones, everybody. Anybody's who any good has come out of Wales. Good community. Love them all. It's the venue for it. And the Welsh love Tyson."
John Fury's reasons for staying away
However, while fans will be scrambling to get their hands on tickets, John insists he won't be attending. The relationship between John and Tyson has been up and down in recent years, with his father making little secret of his wish to see the two-time heavyweight champion retire following his trilogy of fights with Deontay Wilder.
But while their relationship appears to have been mended, John has little interest in showing his face at this latest bout.
"Let me tell you, you have more chance of seeing a cow fly than me bothering with it," he added. "I'm out of it. I'm out of the game. I don't like the people in it and the vibes they give me. It's too f****** stressful."
"I know accidents can happen and I don't want no part of it. I wish him all the luck in the world but I'm not involved, so I don't want to go to the fight. I'll be doing what his mother does, and has been doing for the last 10 years. I'll wait for somebody to tell me who wins the fight."
"That's the best way to deal with this. I'm not interested any more. I couldn't give a damn about it. I'm not like the rest of the world. I don't need validation to go to a boxing match, sit there and be an absolute p****, like a spare p**** at a wedding. I don't want to be there."
Concerns over Tyson's health
John added he fears his son may not retire with his health intact, suggesting this showdown carries a risk.
"There's no more I can do for Tyson," he continued. "I look at him as a father with children, and if he gets brain damaged, it is worrying. If anything gets happen to him and he gets injured permanently, the money means nothing to you."
"These things can happen at their stage of their lives, it has become dangerous for him and Joshua. For me it is an accident waiting to happen. When you carrying on boxing too long, the inevitable could happen."
