Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has officially announced his retirement from boxing, closing the curtain on a career marked by stunning victories and dramatic comebacks.
Fury, 36, last stepped into the ring in December, where he suffered a defeat in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO titles.
This announcement follows a previous retirement declaration in 2022 after Fury defeated Dillian Whyte, though he returned to the sport just six months later.
A Legacy of Triumphs and Challenges
The Briton leaves behind an impressive record of 34 wins, two losses, and one draw. Fury’s career highlights include his 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko, which saw him claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles.
Following a hiatus of more than two years to address mental health challenges, Fury returned to the sport in 2018, cementing his place as a two-time champion by defeating Deontay Wilder for the WBC belt in 2020.
In a brief statement, Fury said: “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.”
No Clash with Joshua
Fury’s decision seemingly puts to rest hopes for a long-anticipated showdown with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua. Speaking at the Ring Magazine awards on Saturday, Joshua had expressed optimism about the matchup, saying, “A fight with Fury has to happen this year.”
However, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, expressed scepticism about Fury’s announcement, telling BBC Sport:
“We’ve been here before. If this is the end, congratulations on a remarkable career. He’s one of the best heavyweights of this generation and has made a fortune. But if your heart’s not in it, it’s the right time to step away.”
Heavyweight Division in Transition
Both Fury and Joshua have been pivotal figures in the heavyweight division over the past decade but now face challenges in reclaiming their dominance. Joshua is coming off a September defeat to IBF champion Daniel Dubois, while Fury’s last two fights ended in losses to Usyk.
Hearn added: “You don’t step into the ring with Anthony Joshua just for the money. You’ve got to want it. If Tyson’s done, then he’s earned the right to make that decision. If not, we’ve got the potential for the biggest fight in the sport’s history.”
As Fury steps away from the sport, boxing fans are left wondering if this is truly the end for “The Gypsy King” or merely another pause in his storied career. Time will tell if the heavyweight division will witness his return or if this retirement marks the final chapter of his remarkable journey.
