Deontay Wilder 'doesn't have anything I'm afraid of' says Tyson Fury

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Media caption,

Fury and Wilder are separated during news conference

Tyson Fury says WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder "doesn't have anything I'm afraid of" before their world title fight in Los Angeles.

The Briton faces American Wilder, 32, at the Staples Center on 1 December in just the third fight of his comeback.

Fury, 30, vacated his WBO and WBA titles in October 2016 to focus on his treatment for depression.

"If I can come back from mental health problems and [contemplating] suicide, I can withstand anything," he said.

"Deontay Wilder doesn't possess anything I'm scared of. Punches just bounce off me, they don't do anything. I'm a powerful man."

Fury said he believes his opponent is scared of him, though.

"I know when a man's scared - Wilder's terrified of me," said the Briton. "He's timid when he's around me. He looks at the floor, doesn't make eye contact, all that sort of stuff. Even when he's around me off stage."

The pair had to be separated after confronting each other at Monday's news conference in London.

Media caption,

'I can withstand anything' - Fury and Wilder on heavyweight title fight

Fury beat Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 to become the lineal champion and remains undefeated after 27 fights, while Wilder has won all 40 of his fights - 39 by knockout.

"It's a dare to be great move," Fury added. "Two fights, 10 fights - it doesn't really matter. I can't lose this fight.

"If I've beat all those things, how am I going to let myself down at this moment? I'm doing it for those people, I'm doing it to be the best and prove anyone can come back from anything."

Wilder described the bout as a "mega fight".

"You've got two different personalities, two guys that are so charismatic and filled with energy that emotions sometimes get the best of each other," added the American.

"When we're put in a room together you can feel the energy, to the point where you need security. People feel the intensity, it's a huge fight."

Monday's media activities started a three-day press tour, which continues in New York on Tuesday and ends in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

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