Tyson Fury touches down at Margaret Court Arena as heavyweight king rubs shoulders with UFC champion Israel Adesanya and AFL stars ahead of Joseph Parker fight
Tyson Fury was spotted ringside ahead of Joseph Parker’s fight against Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
The WBC heavyweight world champion rubbed shoulders with UFC champion Israel Adesanya and a host of AFL stars ahead of the bout at Margaret Court Arena.
Fury travelled Down Under with his close friend Parker, who is looking to get back to winning ways after his knockout defeat by Joe Joyce last September.
And Parker credited the Gypsy King with having helped change his approach to training.
Fury introduced Parker to George Lockhart, a former US Marine and now nutritionist and strength and conditioning trainer, who has worked with the ‘Gypsy King’, as well as UFC champions Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.
Tyson Fury was spotted ringside ahead of Joseph Parker’s fight against Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu in Melbourne on Wednesday night
The Gypsy King stopped for a chat with UFC champion Israel Adesanya (left)
‘I have George Lockhart in camp and he’s done the nutrition and strength training, and boxing has always been there, so I think we’ve got the right balance now, finally,’ Parker told AAP on Tuesday.
‘It’s not really the food, it’s really the over-training, so having someone there to manage training times, sleep time, eat time – having all of that in place makes it easier.’
Fury said he couldn’t remember seeing Parker, who pointed out his abs at the weigh-in, in better shape.
‘I’ve seen a massive change in Joe, his body shape,’ Fury said.
‘I’ve never seen him this ripped before or in as good a shape, so I’m excited for the fight.’
Fury also hinted his return to the ring may not be too far away.
‘Very very soon I hope,’ he said when asked when he would be fighting next.
‘Melbourne’s a great place, I love the city, I’d love to fight at the stadium.’
On Tuesday, the Briton revealed he had opened talks with an Australian boxer as the heavyweight champion continues to assess his options for his next fight.
Fury revealed on Tuesday he had open talks over a blockbuster fight in Australia
The 34-year-old saw negotiations over an undisputed title fight against Oleksandr Usyk break down earlier this year and is eager to make a return to the ring to defend his WBC belt.
And according to Angelo Di Carlo – manager of undefeated Aussie heavyweight Demsey McKean – Fury’s team has been in touch over a potential August blockbuster Down Under.
‘Chats began some time ago for Demsey to fight Tyson Fury in Australia and I think Demsey is the best option for the Gypsy King,’ Di Carlo told News Corp.
‘We’re certainly keen to do the fight.’
