Tyson Fury has made a bold declaration ahead of his Riyadh bout on Saturday, promising to "annihilate" Oleksandr Usyk as he aims to dominate the heavyweight division. Despite being previously regarded as the top fighter in his class, Fury lost his WBC title to WBA, IBF, and WBO champion Usyk in a split-decision during their first encounter in May.

The IBF title is no longer involved after being stripped from Usyk and awarded to Daniel Dubois, ending Usyk's short stint as the undisputed champion. Fury is determined to rectify his sole professional loss to the man he calls ‘Rabbit’, with plans to defeat all his heavyweight adversaries.

"Just for the record, I’m going to absolutely annihilate this motherf***** on Saturday night. No retirement, I’m cleaning them all out and he’s going to be first. Rabbit’s face," Fury confidently told Dazn. He expressed satisfaction with his performance in their initial fight, despite not securing the desired result, and found Usyk easier to hit than anticipated.

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Fury has already indicated his intention to pursue a trilogy with Usyk before turning his focus to Anthony Joshua, with Daniel Dubois also a potential contender now holding the IBF belt. Reflecting on his career, the 'Gypsy King' admitted his past attempts to retire were genuine, especially after his 2022 victory over Dillian Whyte.

"I’ve tried to walk away many times and have been unsuccessful," Fury acknowledged. "I meant it when I retired after Dillian Whyte back in 2022. I really meant that wholeheartedly."

"I could have put my hands on the Bible and meant it. But it was very difficult to let it go so I’m not sure if I can ever let it go."

"What brings me back to the ring? Victory, winning the belts and keep going. It’s what I do."

Regardless of the outcome at Kingdom Arena this Saturday, Fury maintains a clear perspective on what stepping into the ring truly means. The 36 year old has been candid about his battle with depression, including a suicide attempt in 2016, asserting that mental health remains his greatest fight.

"I don’t think boxing is ever my biggest victory. I’ve come back from suicide, I’ve come back from the depths of despair," he expressed. "So to go in there and get paid a tonne of money to do a boxing match with some clown, it’s child’s play compared to what I’ve had to go through. Boxing for me is a game compared to what I’ve had to come through."

Fury made a grand entrance by boat for his open workout at Riyadh’s Boulevard World.

After having his gloves laced up by trainer Sugar Hill Steward, he briefly moved around the ring before his gloves were removed without throwing a single punch. The former WBC champion, who refrained from commenting on whether he would shave off his beard before the fight due to potential contravention of boxing rules, gave succinct responses when interviewed in the ring.

"A lot of pain. Smash and damage. A lot of hurt. Hurt. Serious hurt. A lot of damage," he stated.

Steward has disclosed that he, Andy Lee and a cutman will be the only ones in Fury's corner on Saturday night, a change from the first fight when Fury’s father John was also present. The corner work in May received heavy criticism as Steward, Lee and Fury Sr were all giving conflicting advice during the later rounds.

It was a contentious week for Fury Sr, who ended up with a bloody face after headbutting a member of Usyk’s team.