A ‘late flight’ prevented Dillian Whyte from attending the open workout as the mind games continue into fight week ahead of Saturday’s mammoth WBC and Ring Magazine heavyweight world title clash with Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium. A record-breaking 94,000 spectators will be in attendance in north London but arguably the biggest heavyweight fight in British history has – partially – been robbed of the salivating, foul-mouthed build-up that many were anticipating.
Whyte opted to swerve the initial fight press conference in early March and remained in Portugal where he continued preparations for the biggest fight of his 11-year professional career.
At the time, the 34-year-old’s legal team were locked in a legal dispute with the WBC, while there were also claims of alleged ‘unfair treatment’ against Queensbury Promotions, who reportedly offered to bring Whyte back over to the UK on a Ryan Air flight.
Now Whyte has finally decided to comply with clause 11 of his fight contract, that states in writing that he is obliged to actively promote the bout on his social media channels, something he only did for the first time last week.
He also participated in a virtual press conference before conducting a further interview with BT Sport’s Steve Bunce in Vilamoura.
However, Whyte and his team were not present on Tuesday afternoon at BOXPARK, Wembley for the first of several fight-week commitments.
Sources have relayed that Whyte cited a ‘late flight’ as the reason behind his absence.
Express Sport understands Whyte is now back on UK soil as he looks to execute a significant upset against the elusive, unbeaten Gypsy King.
This was the first time the pair were expected to be within the same vicinity following the formalisation of the all-British mega clash but that wait is now threatening to rumble on.
The pair could potentially come face-to-face for the first time on Wednesday when a second fight press conference is penciled in at Wembley.
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.