Tony Bellew doesn't hold back in response to 'bizarre' John Fury callout after headbutt

Tony Bellew has branded John Fury as 'embarrassing' after he was called out by the father of Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.

The younger Fury will take on Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh on Saturday in a highly-anticipated heavyweight title unification match-up.

The build-up to the bout has been anything but quiet, with John Fury hitting headlines on Monday when he headbutted a member of Usyk's team.

The 59-year-old later apologised for the incident, but added that 'some little idiot came forward' and 'he got what he got'.

In an interview after the headbutt took place, John was asked what he thought of a suggestion from Bellew that Tyson is 'not good with small movers'.

John replied: "You see Tony Bellew, he'll get a headbutt like he's [Usyk team member] just got!"

Speaking on talkSPORT, Bellew was left stunned at the fact his name was mentioned by Fury's father - and made his feelings clear after host Andy Goldstein described the quote as 'bizarre'.

He fumed: "I don't know why my name's been mentioned there. No-one's going to headbutt me, full stop.

"I made my predictions, that's what I'm paid to do. I'm a paid analyst.

"It was very bizarre watching that yesterday. There's one guy going head-to-head with him, same size as him, he didn't feel the need to headbutt him. He felt the need to headbutt the smaller one. I found that quite disturbing, to be honest.

"One thing I will say: His sons are absolute diamonds, gentlemen. They carry themselves like proper men. They're the ones the family should be proud of. I like Tyson Fury as well, even though he may not like me.

"It's embarrassing. If my father behaved like that in a press conference, I would put him straight and tell him. It's embarrassing and it can't be happening - it's a really bad look for boxing."

He continued: "No-one's going to butt me. No-one's going to do anything to me.

"I don't need to call out John Fury. I've achieved more within 60 seconds of my boxing career than John Fury's ever achieved in his life.

‼️ Full, close-up video of John Fury's headbutt clash with Oleksandr Usyk's team which left him bleeding today…

[🎥 Serge Lapin] pic.twitter.com/ctlylkIszH

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 13, 2024

"You have not got the first clue or idea what it's like to be a championship-standard fighter. Get a grip of yourself. I'm trying to be as nice and respectful as I can, but he needs to keep my name out of his mouth.

"I've come across him [John] a few times, and I've always found him pleasant... I couldn't possibly fathom what he's going through, because my children are not fighters.

"If I see my children fight, I would be extremely nervous, and I'd probably do some silly things myself. But I wouldn't put myself in that position.

"I do sympathise with him at times - I didn't sympathise him with yesterday, I thought he was bang out of order. It was pretty embarrassing, to be honest.

"I've dealt with the Furys over the years. I know Tyson, I've sparred with him over many years. Peter Fury is a brilliant, lovely fella. His other brothers are all honourable gentleman. When I met John, I've found him as an honourable gentleman.

"I've got no reason to badmouth anyone. I'm just making a prediction - I think Oleksandr Usyk will win. What's your big problem with that, I don't know."