Tyson Fury has revealed he's willing to 'die' in the ring ahead of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
And the Gypsy King has also confessed he feels he was a better boxer over a decade ago, though is hoping his experience can see him come out on top out in Saudi Arabia.
- View Deal | Pre-book Fury vs Usyk on Sky Sports HD for £24.99
- View Deal | Pre-book Fury vs Usyk on Discovery+ for £24.99
He said: "God rest his soul. You know getting into this sport that it's a dangerous sport. You go in there, you're getting paid for danger.
Boxing: Tyson Fury has claimed he's willing to die in the ring ahead of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk
PA
"You can get your brains knocked out. We're not in there to tickle each other.
"We're there to inflict damage on each other by punching each other to the head and body and unfortunately things like this happen now and again."
And Fury, speaking to Sky Sports, has admitted he's prepared to risk death in the ring - while also comparing it to parachute jumping.
"It is what it is. We all know what we're getting in for," he said.
"It's a bit like being somebody who jumps out of a plane parachute jumping.
"Now and again their parachute don't open, they hit the floor but it doesn't stop everyone from parachute jumping. It happens.
"I know all the risks. I've known it my whole life. It is what it is.
"If it's my time, it's God's will and I'll die. And if not then I'll live. You can't tempt fate.
"I can't decide what happens in the future and I can't worry about it either."
He added: "It's a good job I live for today and don't think about the future. There's no future. There is no tomorrow.
"Apollo said it to Rocky. There is no tomorrow. In my faith and my belief there is no tomorrow.
"Jesus said I'll come back like a thief in the night, no time, date or hour so be prepared, live for today because tomorrow ain't promised.
"There been a few people that I've known who went to bed and died the next day, didn't wake up, so every day is a blessing so I take that and enjoy every day."
Fury has been boxing for a number of years - and has declared he won't be retiring any time soon, with as many as 10 more fights eyed.
He was poor last time out, labouring his way to a narrow win over Francis Ngannou back in October.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Tyson Fury 'wants Oleksandr Usyk fight called off' as footage of boxing star on crutches sparks fan alarm
- Saudi Arabia's decision on punishing John Fury revealed as headbutt sparks anger in boxing world
- Mike Tyson makes alarming confession about his body ahead of Jake Paul fight and reveals stance on rival
Boxing: Tyson Fury believes he was better over a decade ago as he prepares to face Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night
PA
And Fury feels he's no longer in his prime, though does believe his experience can help him beat Usyk on Saturday night.
"I believe every time you go in a ring you leave with less than you had when you went in there first time," he said.
"It takes a little bit more out of you, a little bit, a little bit more and a little bit more. But it's a good job I live for today and don't think about the future.
- View Deal | Pre-book Fury vs Usyk on Sky Sports HD for £24.99
- View Deal | Pre-book Fury vs Usyk on Discovery+ for £24.99
"I was probably better [before]. I was younger, in my early 20s, now I'm in my mid-30s. I was a better fighter 12 years ago, I had the fountain of youth, now I have the wisdom instead," he reflected.
Boxing: Oleksandr Usyk represents the toughest test of Tyson Fury's career
PA
"My youth has evaded me and my experience has to take over, I'm no spring chicken.
"If you look at the greats, when they were 35 they were said to be finished and over the hill. I've got to put youth to one side and use my experience and mentality."
