Tyson Fury Announces Retirement from Boxing Again: A Storied Career Ends with Uncertainty
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing, marking what could be the final chapter of an illustrious career.
The 36-year-old Briton, who last fought in December, suffered back-to-back defeats to WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk.
In a video message shared with fans, Fury stated, “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing. It has been a blast. I’ve loved every single minute of it, and I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask.”
Fury first shocked the boxing world in 2015 when he defeated long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles.
After an extended hiatus from the sport to address mental health challenges, Fury returned in 2018, reclaiming his position at the pinnacle of boxing by defeating Deontay Wilder to capture the WBC heavyweight title in 2020.
Despite announcing his retirement after defeating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, Fury returned to the ring six months later, continuing to cement his reputation as one of the greatest heavyweights of his generation.
He now leaves the sport with a record of 34 wins, two defeats, and one draw.
Fury’s retirement has dashed fans’ hopes of a long-anticipated clash with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua. Speaking at the Ring Magazine awards on Saturday, Joshua expressed his desire to face Fury, declaring, “A fight with Fury has to happen this year.”
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, questioned the finality of Fury’s announcement, suggesting it might be a strategic move.
“We’ve been here before. If that is the end, congratulations on a great career. Tyson Fury has been one of the best heavyweights of this generation and made a bucket load of money. But if your heart’s not in it, it’s definitely time to call it quits,” Hearn told BBC Sport.
Hearn also highlighted the significance of the potential Fury-Joshua bout, calling it “the biggest fight in the history of our country.” However, he noted that Fury’s decision to retire might stem from a desire to avoid mounting pressure.
Fury and Joshua have been central figures in the heavyweight division over the past decade. While Fury exits with two consecutive losses to Usyk, Joshua is aiming to recover from his September defeat to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
Hearn added, “You do not want to get in the ring with Anthony Joshua if you’re doing it for money. You’ve got to want it. You’ve got to want to provide the British public with the biggest fight in the history of the sport. Tyson Fury has earned the right to make his own decisions. If he’s done, he’s done. If not, then we make the biggest fight in the history of the sport.”
While Fury’s announcement leaves uncertainty hanging over the heavyweight division, the possibility of his return cannot be ruled out.
Whether this marks the end of an extraordinary career or the beginning of yet another comeback, Tyson Fury’s legacy as one of boxing’s most charismatic and skilled fighters is firmly secured.
As Hearn concluded, “Only time will tell. If this is the end, then Tyson Fury walks away as one of the all-time greats.”
