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Tyson Fury vs Tom Schwarz: What time does the fight start tonight, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

Tyson Fury (left) and Tom Schwarz (right) look into each other's eyes - REUTERS
Tyson Fury (left) and Tom Schwarz (right) look into each other's eyes - REUTERS

What is it?

Tyson Fury's defence of his lineal heavyweight title against the undefeated Tom Schwarz, Fury's first fight since controversially drawing with Deontay Wilder last December. This marks a major step up for Schwarz, and an interim opponent for Fury before an expected set of rematches against Wilder.

When is it?

Saturday, June 15. But if you're in the UK, the early hours of Sunday morning.

Where is it?

The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Which TV channel will it be on?

BT Sport Box Office are showing the fight in the UK, for a price of £19.95.

What time is the fight likely to start?

The main event should begin at 4am UK time, barring any delays.

Who is Tom Schwarz?

Schwarz is an undefeated German fighter, 24, who has been building up a formidable record away from the limelight. Fighting almost exclusively in Germany, he's 6'5" and a straightforward technician.

What are the fighters' records?

  • Fury 27-0-1

  • Schwarz 24-0-0

What are they saying?

Tyson Fury turned up early and conducted the final press conference for his fight with Tom Schwarz as he continues to build on his growing popularity in the United States:

"Eighteen months ago I was in a very, very dark place. If you had seen me at that time I was very heavy and very unwell. I want to inspire people to change their lives and get well.

"I'm living my dream and I don't know many people who can say the same. I'm seeing my picture on all the screens and billboards, this is what I was born to do.

"The crowd have warmed to me and been very welcoming. I'm surprised, people who don't speak English, who don't even watch sports are asking for photos and wanting to talk. It's quite humbling."

Fury had by then also joked about spending eight weeks training with Shaolin monks, having turned on and handed out microphones to those he felt should also be at the top-table.

He also stopped someone present from beginning an anti-German song when he demanded someone sing.

Fury, who has been criticised for making homophobic and sexist remarks in the past, also diplomatically attempted to stop influential Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, 87, from complimenting female fighter Mikaela Mayer on her appearance.

Mikaela Mayer (centre) stands between Tyson Fury (left) and Tom Schwarz (right) - Credit: getty images
Mikaela Mayer (centre) stands between Tyson Fury (left) and Tom Schwarz (right) Credit: getty images

The heavyweight even briefly sang and, without a hint of attempting to provoke his opponent at what for boxing represented an unusually tension-free affair, complimented Schwarz on his "good looks".

Fury claimed fellow heavyweight and former world champion Anthony Joshua is "finished" in boxing:

"When a man doesn't want to be there once, he will always do it and it's hard to come back from.

"He did it that night and I don't think he will come back from it. Finished. Ask any top trainer who has been around the sport a lifetime. When he got to the ring I saw he didn't want to be there.

"Everybody thought that man could beat me. In what world could he ever beat me? What were people seeing?

"I don't know what people were looking at as I don't know in what world he could have beaten me."

What are the best odds?

  • Tyson Fury win 1/25

  • Draw 33/1

  • Thomas Schwarz 14/1

What is our prediction?

It has to be Fury in this bout. His experience and showmanship can make a fearsome combination, and though Schwarz should be able to take him through a few rounds, expect Fury to end it before hitting the closing stages.