Tyson Fury has once again disappointed British boxing fans. And not by failing to bring the heavyweight belts back to the UK.

Fighting in Saudi Arabia means fans no longer have “I was there” moments.

Only 2,500 Britons made up the 20,000 people packed into the Kingdom Arena for the first fight with Oleksandr Usyk, and not many more will show up for the rematch.

It shows that Saudi Arabia should not be the recent home of boxing.

British fans have proven they will travel. More than 30,000 viewers followed Ricky Hatton to Las Vegas when he bravely lost to Floyd Mayweather in 2007.

Recently, 8,000 home fans flocked to Madison Square Garden for Anthony Joshua’s match against Andy Ruiz Jr.

Both were great “I was there” moments.

However, Usyk vs Fury 2 will be another disappointment, even though the fight has all the hallmarks of a classic.

Fury has earned enough to support his family for a lifetime – now it’s time to give his devoted followers the chance to see him in person.

In September at Wembley, Daniel Dubois defended his IBF world title against Joshua in front of over 98,000 spectators.

Fury could break that record if he fought the right challenger here. Perhaps he’ll save it for when he finally faces Joshua. We just have to pray that it’s not too delayed for their careers.

The cheerful Flintoff family

They say it’s who you know, not what you know, that gets you to the top.

Rocky Flintoff, 16, will have to prove that theory wrong after his dad, Freddie Flintoff, called him up for the England Lions squad, which embarks on a tour of Australia in January.

During the winter family fun, all eyes will be on the school graduate.

Tyson Fury has rejected the idea that defeating Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch would be his crowning achievement in boxing, even though he is scheduled to face a man who ended his undefeated streak in May and is now considered the top heavyweight of his era.

Usyk, 37, holds undisputed titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, boasting an impeccable professional record and numerous major amateur accolades. But the 36-year-old Fury says his most monumental moment was his victory over Wladimir Klitschko when he was a significant underdog.

Alternatively, given the circumstances, his two triumphs over feared hitter Deontay Wilder after throwing 10 stone, battling addiction and overcoming a doping ban could be included in the honor. Fury, however, believes that beating Usyk this weekend won’t be the highlight of his 36-fight career because it wouldn’t be a surprise – at least not to him.

“I’m expected to do it,” he said. “When I beat Klitschko, they expected me to wipe the floor with him. Beating this guy after losing by one point in my last fight by split decision wouldn’t be like, “Oh my God, huge upset.” “

This is certainly up for debate. When they step into the ring again tonight at the Kingdom Arena, which has become the epicenter of boxing’s biggest events, Usyk is the favorite. Fury maintains their last fight was a close draw.

One of the judges scored the fight 114-113 in Fury’s favor, while the other two sided with Usyk, scoring 114-113 and 115-112. However, as the second half of the fight progressed, it seemed clear that the Ukrainian had taken the lead, especially after he forced a countout in the ninth round and almost ended the fight.

“I ended up stronger than him in round 12,” Fury said. “Believe it or not, he was carried back to the locker room. He was blown to pieces. “I have a photo on my phone, three days later I had no mark on me.

“Three days later he was massacred, his jaw was broken, his eye socket was damaged and so on. And I’m not even in the best shape, not even a little bit.

“Honestly, I feel sorry for the boy. They talk about trilogies, but… [the beating I’m going to put on him] he plans to return to cruiserweight on Saturday night.

– I’m sure of it. But then again, money speaks all languages, right? This involves a lot of money, so maybe he’ll want to hide even better.

There is ongoing debate as to whether a trilogy fight is contractually obligated. Ultimately, the decision rests with Saudi boxing broker Turki Alalshikh, who controls the most critical aspect of boxing – the purse strings.

Daniel Dubois has expressed interest in fighting the winner and Anthony Joshua has his sights set on fighting Fury. We may see a third clash between these two in the Middle East in the coming months.

Fury’s assurance that it won’t overshadow Klitschko is persuasive, but there is a sense that this fight could be the defining moment of his career. He may not secure the undisputed crown that Usyk won in May as the IBF is now in the hands of others.

The WBA, WBO and WBC belts may be held by Dubois, but they pale in comparison to glamor boxing’s No. 1 title. Fury has been training in Malta for the past three months in preparation for tonight’s fight.

Despite his Santa-like beard, with only a lick of white hair dye left to complete, he left the Christmas shopping to his wife Paris, who will be at ringside tonight after missing their May date due to a miscarriage.

Instead of wondering what presents would be under the tree this Christmas, Fury focused on conquering the heavyweight division.

If he can do this, it will be his greatest night, whether he admits it or not.

Oleksandr Usyk admits that Tyson Fury put pressure on himself during the competition, but promises to stay composed before the rematch.

Usyk will defend his unified heavyweight world tiles against Fury on Saturday in Riyad in a long-awaited second appearance, seven months after inflicting his first defeat against “The Gypsy King”.

Fury has been extremely reserved throughout the build-up, but has remained consistent in his vow to hurt the Ukrainian when they meet at the Kingdom Arena.

Usyk insists he has no problems connecting with the Briton outside the ring and believes the two will look back on their rivalry with fondness in the years to come.

“Yes, I enjoy it [confrontation with Fury]– said the 37-year-old TNT sports boxing.

“Because these are emotions.

“These are memories that are created when we get older, when we are two vintage people.

“He [Tyson] he promised to come to Ukraine.

“So he will come to Ukraine, to my ranch.

“We’ll be drinking beer and he’ll say, ‘Oh, remember when you beat me twice?’

Saudi Arabian boxing boss Turki Alalshikh has expressed his desire to see a trilogy fight if Fury wins.

After Thursday’s press conference, the two looked down and exchanged words for 11 minutes before being separated by security.

Usyk admits the verbal battle can be exhausting and forces him to maintain his composure.

“I feel like punching him in the face,” he added.

“His [Tyson] cheeks turn red.

“But I remember that I have to stay composed and I pray, saying, ‘Lord, please aid him and me.’

‘The Cat’ became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis when he beat the Morecambe man in May, but vacated the IBF title shortly afterwards to secure a rematch.

Daniel Dubois, who has been elevated to full IBF champion and will defend his crown against Joseph Parker on Feb. 22 in Riyad, will stand ringside and call on the winner to unite.

“I’m here in Saudi Arabia and I want a winner on Saturday night,” said the 27-year-old talkSPORT.

“I want to fight for an undisputed result, that’s the game now and that’s the goal.

“100% [I would beat them]. This is my time now.

“I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’m a up-to-date man.”