Tyson Fury, 37, will face 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand on Friday before just 1,500 fans. The former heavyweight champion defended the low-key event, saying modern sports stars think they're "bigger than they actually are." "Do you think David Beckham would play professional football here? No way," Fury said. The bout will air on Netflix's 'At Home with the Furys' rather than live TV.

A win sets up a long-awaited showdown with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, who fights Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia a day later. Contracts are signed for Fury-Joshua later this year, though no venue is confirmed. Wach, who has lost seven of his past 10 fights, vowed to ruin those plans, but Fury insisted he's focused solely on Friday.

The event was organized in three weeks after Fury turned down more lucrative offers. Ticket profits benefit a local charity for disadvantaged children. Fury, who trains in Thailand, said he feels "at peace" and "rejuvenated" in the warmer climate. He criticized current heavyweight champions Agit Kabayel, Murat Gassiev, and Daniel Dubois as having been "gifted world titles" without fighting top competition.