‘Saint Tyson instead of Saint George’ – Tyson Fury jokes about becoming England’s new patron saint ahead of clash with ‘top five’ heavyweight Dillian Whyte

Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte falls on April 23, which also happens to be St. George’s Day, but Fury hopes it will become St. Tyson’s Day after defending his WBC world heavyweight title.

St George is known for slaying a dragon, but Fury hopes beating Dillian Whyte in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium will be enough to justify him taking the reins as England’s new patron saint.

At yesterday’s Zoom press conference for the upcoming clash, Fury was in jovial mood, as he joked with the media in attendance, saying: “After this fight they’re going to make me the national patron saint of England.

“It will be Saint Tyson instead of Saint George. I would gladly take the post of new patron saint of England.

Later in the press conference, Fury took a more serious tone when talking about his opponent for his next fight, Dillian Whyte.

“I think Dillian is definitely a top five heavyweight for sure,” Fury insisted, “He’s the number one contender in the WBC rankings.

“As everyone knows, he’s been the mandatory challenger for 147 years. He deserves his shot and he has his shot at the title.

This is of course in reference to the long journey Whyte took to finally secure his first world title, after being interim champion, diamond champion, silver champion and number one contender with the WBC for over 1000 days.

Dave Thompson/Matchroom

Whyte also had his say at the press conference, speaking for the first time since the fight was announced, having failed to show up at the initial kick-off press conference and he explained why he was stay quiet.

“It’s not just the Tyson Fury show, it’s the Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte show,” Whyte explained.

“We are both in the fight together, so some things have to be done right. I don’t dance to nobody’s tune, I’m a warrior, I’m a survivor, so I don’t dance to nobody’s tune.

“So okay, you want me to work, you want me to do things?” Cool, I’m up for that, I’m a pro.

“I had six or seven PPV shows and worked hard on them, always looked after my opponents and treated them right.

“So when these guys were just trying to mug me and treat me like it was the Tyson Fury show, they have to fix some things.

“We’re about to get them corrected, so I’m a pro at the end of the day, so now I’m here. I am here and I am ready. I’m in good shape and I’m ready to go.

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