Former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury is currently retired, but reports suggest he holds significant dissatisfaction regarding the outcome of his recent bout.
Following his loss of the WBC title to Oleksandr Usyk in their highly anticipated undisputed championship contest earlier this year, Fury reportedly voiced strong objections to the official scoring of the fight. Despite announcing his retirement around the start of the year, this frustration apparently continues to linger.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman mentioned his regular conversations with Fury, who describes himself as happily retired and enjoying time with his wife. However, Sulaiman noted that Fury remains “very bitter” and “very upset” about the judges` decision in the fight against Usyk, confirming his deep unhappiness with the scoring. Despite this, Sulaiman stated that Fury gave no indication of planning a return to the sport.
Intriguingly, Sulaiman offered a cinematic hint about a possible comeback, referencing a famous line: “Maybe like in The Godfather, the movie, maybe we`ll hear him say: `Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!` We don’t know…”
The Next Generation of Fury Fighters
Meanwhile, the Fury family name continues in boxing through emerging talents. Amateur boxer James Dean Fury recently impressed at the Manchester Box Cup, while Tyson`s cousin, Walter Fury, is developing as a professional prospect.
Walter Fury is preparing for his fourth professional fight set for July 11 in Liverpool. His father, the late Hughie Fury, was previously one of Tyson Fury`s trainers. For Walter, stepping into the boxing ring was always a natural path, having started at the age of 11.
“From being a young lad… it was always a dream that I wanted,” Walter shared.
He explained that it took him some time to fully commit after the loss of his father, but he eventually refocused and got back to training with determination.
“The only thing I can do now is make him proud and that’s what I intend to do and not just that, I intend to go as far as I possibly can in the sport,” he stated, adding, “I`ve got too much talent to throw away.”
Walter is clear that he does not aim to replicate his famous cousin`s career or persona.
“The only thing I want to be is myself and that’s what I intend to be,” he insisted, feeling no pressure simply because of the family name. “Because the only thing I’ve got to do is do my best.”
While supporting Tyson`s retirement for personal well-being, Walter acknowledges his cousin`s absence leaves a void in the sport`s entertainment landscape.
“Boxing’s dead without him because he’s a big entertainer… A lot of people tune in from all over the world to just see Tyson because he’s the best build up to a fight I think we’ve ever seen and not just that, he’s also a top class boxer that puts on a show every fight he has,” Walter commented.
However, he believes retirement is the right choice for Tyson now, given his extensive accomplishments.
“But the thing is at the minute he’s not boxing and I believe it’s the best thing for him now. I believe he’s done everything he needs to do in boxing… What more can you do if you’ve already fought for everything and basically won everything? That’s good enough.”
Reflecting on Tyson`s career, which saw him hold various major championship belts, Walter expressed pride in his cousin`s journey.
“He might have been beat off Usyk but listen, I think he’s the closest man to beating Usyk, there’s nothing wrong with that,” Walter said. “We can’t be any prouder of Tyson for what he’s done in the sport. He’s fought the best. From where he’s come from to where he’s ended up is just unbelievable.”
He concluded by suggesting Tyson should now focus on enjoying his life away from the risks of professional fighting.
Murray Blackwood