Tyson Fury is hanging up his gloves — again. The former heavyweight champion announced Monday he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36, less than a month after “The Gypsy King” lost for a second consecutive time to Oleksandr Usyk. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing,” Fury said in a video posted to his Instagram account. “It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.”
Fury said after defeating Dillian Whyte in April 2022 he was retiring, only for him to face Derek Chisora eight months later. He also announced retirements on social media in 2013 and ’17, which didn’t last long. Fury was one of the best boxers worldwide, ending Wladimir Klitschko’s reign atop the heavyweight division in 2015.
Fury’s announcement came after losing to Usyk, who unified the heavyweight world titles with his unanimous decision win on December 21. Surprisingly, Fury’s retirement is met with skepticism, as he had previously claimed he was “done” with boxing back in April 2022 after defeating Whyte. If this is the end of his career, Fury will retire with an impressive professional record of 34 victories, 24 by knockout, one draw, and two losses, with the two defeats occurring within the past year at the hands of Usyk.
Many hoped to see Fury back in action against Anthony Joshua, but rather than pursue lucrative matchups, he has opted to step away for the time being. Fury's announcement has left many boxing insiders speculating on its authenticity, considering his history of retractions. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, hinted at this characterization, noting, “I’m not going to accuse him of it not being genuine, but I think you get a bigger deal coming out of retirement.” Hearn’s comments reflect doubts among fans and analysts poring over Fury’s enigmatic career and volatile relationship with retirement.
While announcing his retirement, Fury referenced the notorious 18th-century English highwayman, Dick Turpin, stating, “At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.” This allusion has drawn much curiosity about its significance, with some relating it to feelings of being robbed by the judges during his recent Usyk fights.
Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, expressed surprise at the announcement but highlighted Fury's achievements and the right to choose his path. “God bless him. If that's what he wants to do, that's what he should do,” Warren remarked, stating, “He’s made plenty of money and had exciting fights.”
The competitive nature of heavyweight boxing is underscored with the possibility of bouts against his long-expected rival Anthony Joshua hanging precariously now due to this retirement announcement. British audiences have eagerly awaited this match, but uncertainty clouds whether it will materialize any time soon, potentially thwarting fans' hopes of witnessing what many call the fight of the century.
Fury's exit from the ring also marks the end of his rivalry with Usyk, who emerged as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era after defeating Fury. After these matches, Fury finds himself at the crossroads of retirement and revitalization, with remnants of public hope for his eventual return.
Yet, Fury has carved out one of the most storied yet tumultuous careers through bouts against names like Deontay Wilder and Klitschko. The multiple retirements and returns make it difficult to ascertain whether this is the final decision. With innovative returns, talk of high-stakes matchups, and discussions on how his preceding losses will imbue his legacy, boxing fans may hold their breath for what Fury's next chapter will bring.
Despite these losses, Fury's career, now spanning nearly two decades, remains one filled with excitement, setbacks, and monumental victories. Whether this farewell is definitive remains uncertain, and only time will tell if this retirement will truly mark the end for the Gypsy King.