Deontay Wilder may have already got one over heavyweight rival Tyson Fury ahead of their showdown on Saturday.

Fury has been forced to settle for a 20ft ring against the American rather than the larger 24ft ring that helped him defeat Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, according to The Daily Star.

The fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles will take place in a ring 4ft bigger than the smallest size.

Deontay Wilder may have already got one over rival Tyson Fury ahead of their showdown

Fury, who faces Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title, dethroned Klitschko three years ago in the largest possible size ring of 24ft.

Wilder's camp believe the smaller ring will favour their man as the Brit will have to engage with him more.

Fury has apologised for the pre-fight fracas with Wilder, and is pressing for the traditional stare-down after Friday's weigh-in to be scrapped to prevent an even more damaging repetition.

Fury dethroned Wladimir Klitschko three years ago in the largest possible size ring of 24ft

The pair clashed at the last head-to-head media conference before Saturday night's fight.

Fury fears that if they are put in close contact again punches will be thrown and their mega-millions fight will be called off. The California State Athletic Commission are considering scrapping the ritual.

Meanwhile Fury revealed that he was a split second from hitting Wilder and would not hesitate if punched or provoked again - but he does admit a sense of guilt at 'something that should not happen in boxing.'

Fury has been forced to settle for a 20ft ring against the American at the Staples Center in LA