Regis Prograis insisted on multiple occasions that he wasn't being paid enough to trash-talk and sell the fight any more than needed, before his 150-pound catchweight clash with Conor Benn in the chief support.

Sitting BOXXER-backed heavyweight duo Jeamie TKV (9-2, 5 KOs) and Frazer Clarke (9-2-1, 7 KOs) on the same side of a table would've felt irresponsible given bad blood between them a few months ago, though both have career-changing opportunities this weekend after their grueling 12-round battle for British honors in November.

TKV and former WBO cruiserweight title challenger Richard Riakporhe (19-1, 15 KOs) are friends, or at least friendly enough that there was no need for machismo while Clarke and highly-rated Australian contender Justis Huni (12-1, 7 KOs) have licked their wounds after damaging defeats but one will have tough decisions to ponder come Sunday.

Fury beamed as he strode onto the stage and after settling, made sure to thank his extended team for their support in ensuring this was a career-best camp, aged 37 and coming off a 16-month layoff.

"He's the most colorful heavyweight, the build-up ... there's nothing like it. He'll prove he's the best and all that means is you'll get excitement, they [the fans] will see something special because you're seeing a modern day great," Fury's promoter and Queensberry chief Frank Warren said on the top table.

Makhmudov's head trainer Marc Ramsay echoed what he said in the build-up to his win over Dave Allen last October, stressing this was another opportunity they couldn't refuse.

"You work all your life to have these kind of opportunities, we jumped on it, no injuries or excuses, we're ready to fight. You cannot find one [boxer to emulate Fury's style], had a multitude of sparring and a good mix of styles."

Makhmudov, who has gone from idolizing fan to foe in a decade, spoke excitedly about having a chance to write his own story while dismissing notions Fury could be an easier task to handle immediately after another hiatus.

Fury's manager Spencer Brown echoed the sentiment.

"I've spoken to sparring partners, trainers, everyone around the camp, it's the best form I've ever seen him in, sparred everybody and they said he was something special. I've never seen him so happy in camp, there are always niggles or something but not this time."

Fury said that while recharging his batteries at home with a big family helped occupy him for a little while, he got bored of normal life.

"When I walk away every time, I have zero intentions of returning but after a few months of taking the kids to school ... I miss the game and everything that comes with big fights. I've still got love for it, that's why I'm coming back," he said before his jovial tone sharpened.

"This time it's going to be difference because for the first time in forever, I'm the hunter and not the hunted. I feel sorry for him [Makhmudov], he's facing an injury-free Tyson Fury and I will make an example of him. 6-foot-7, 19 stone [266 pounds] and will knock his head off his shoulders, like the gamecock on top of Spurs stadium. There's no shame [in losing to me], I'll do it to all of them."

"Sooner or later, these alphabetical world champions will have to fight me, be hunted and destroyed. I'm the money man, if you're fighting me you know you're getting paid. Whoever has belts will be on their hands and knees begging to fight me."

Little more than a day to find out exactly how he fares in another UK homecoming.