Tyson Fury has weighed in after his long-time rival Deontay Wilder became involved in a heated on-air row with broadcaster Simon Jordan, and the Gypsy King did not hide his feelings about their trilogy being pulled back into the spotlight.
Wilder appeared at talkSPORT alongside Derek Chisora to promote their upcoming heavyweight bout at London's O2 Arena on April 4, but the media tour took an unexpected turn when tensions flared during a talkBOXING segment.
The former WBC champion grew visibly irritated when questioned about his past trilogy with Fury, eventually rising from his seat and confronting host Jordan before leaving the studio early. The moment has since circulated widely across boxing circles online.
The flashpoint came when Jordan revisited Wilder's previous accusations surrounding his defeats to Fury - including claims about tampered boxing gloves and ring-walk attire - topics Wilder has recently begun raising again in interviews.
The line of questioning did not sit well with the American puncher, who objected strongly and brought the interview to a premature end. Security staff stepped in as voices were raised, ensuring the situation did not escalate further.
However, it's believed there was more to the conversation than shared in the final cut of talkBOXING, which aired on Wednesday evening.
Fury has now responded after seeing clips of the exchange, posting a brief but pointed message on social media, claiming Wilder has 'mental health issues' and that he won their trilogy fair and square.
Taking to Instagram, Fury said: 'I'm just sat here thinking about all the stuff that Deontay Wilder's been saying recently. Even me, I sort of got dragged into posting stuff, video of me knocking him out and whatever. I've just deleted that actually off my story.
'Because, rather than me retaliating and hating on somebody, this man really does have mental health issues, it's evident to see.
'And rather than just going back and forward with him and yada yada yada, saying he's deluded and all that, I'm just gonna pray for him and I'm gonna ask God to help him.
'He obviously needs the help and I'm not getting involved in pettiness. The fights were won fair and square and that's it.
'I'm going to pray for him and ask the Father to bring him back to the light because this man is lost. A lost soul. And I beg Jesus to return him to the Kingdom.'
Wilder later gave his version of events, explaining that he did not want to revisit Fury-related controversy and felt the conversation moved into territory he considers deeply personal.
He said he remains convinced that more details about their rivalry will emerge in time, and stressed that his comments were rooted in broader personal and cultural experiences.
The Gypsy King and Wilder have shared the ring three times, with Fury coming out on top.
Despite security protocol placing them in separate green screen rooms, with guards keeping a careful watch, there was no hostility when they come face to face to begin with.
They catch up properly. Chisora even offers Wilder access to one of his three boxing gyms for fight week in April after Wilder admits he is still looking for somewhere to train.
The rivalry between Fury and Wilder remains one of the most dramatic of the modern heavyweight era. Their three fights produced a draw in 2018 followed by two Fury stoppage victories, ending Wilder's title reign and reshaping the division.
Attention now turns back to Wilder's immediate task, a high-stakes showdown with Chisora. The bout is being billed as a crossroads clash for the 40-year-old American, whose recent record has been mixed, with only one win in his last three outings.
A convincing victory could revive his standing and potentially move him toward another major title opportunity down the line, with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk still the focal point at the top of the division. Another defeat, however, would intensify questions about whether the former knockout artist's time at elite level is drawing to a close.
Either way, Wilder has once again ensured that wherever he goes, headlines tend to follow.