Tyson Fury weighed in at 18st 13lb (120 kg), 26lb lighter than veteran Mariusz Wach’s 20st 11lb (132 kg) – the first time in 15 years the champion has tipped the scales below his opponent. The 37‑year‑old, who has won 35 pro bouts, will face the 46‑year‑old in Pattaya, Thailand, before about 1,500 fans and without a television broadcaster.

Only the fourth occasion in Fury’s 38‑fight career has seen him lighter than his foe. Earlier in 2011 he was lighter than Derek Chisora, and he has also weighed less than John McDermott and Daniil Peretyatko. He arrived in a designer robe and a cross chain, joking with Wach to defuse tension before posing for photos.

Wach, who has lost seven of his last ten fights, including a KO to Moses Itauma, is expected to fall. A victory would set up the long‑awaited bout with Anthony Joshua, who is preparing a warm‑up match against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia. Fury said he wants to stay busy this year, even joking about a possible 10‑fight schedule, and is focused on keeping the sport moving.