British boxer Tyson Fury hinted at the possibility of hanging up his gloves after losing to Oleksandr Usyk in the unification match of four heavyweight boxing belts on May 18.
“I don’t compete in boxing for money, but because I love the sport,” Fury told Sky Sports. “I’ve been boxing since I was a kid and will be 36 years old in a few months. Where will it all end? Will I have to go through hundreds of fights and then fall and end up in a wheelchair? If there’s still love left.” and enjoy the feeling of being in the ring, I will continue to compete. When I can’t do it anymore, I will stop.”
Fury has always promoted mental health issues and asserted that the most important prize for boxers is to return safely to their families. Besides the battles and controversies in his career, these are Fury’s views that are well received and supported by fans.
In the match for four heavyweight boxing titles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 18, Fury – despite having an advantage in stature, being nearly 20kg heavier and 15cm taller – encountered difficulties and had to struggle to defend against Usyk. After 12 rounds without a knockout, Usyk won the biggest boxing match of the 21st century by judges’ scores 115-112, 113-114, 114-113 and became the first absolute heavyweight champion in the quadruple era. belts – WBA, IBF, WBC and WBO.
“I’m satisfied with this performance,” Fury said. “Both fighters received huge payouts and will go home to lovely wives and children. That’s the most important thing. I’m about to turn 36 and we’re not kids anymore. We’re at the end of our lives.” career and created an exciting fight. I’m proud of that.”
Fury was lucky to escape knockout loss in round nine, when he was cornered by Usyk and had to lean against the ropes to stand. When Usyk was about to throw more blows, the referee suddenly intervened, saying that Fury no longer had the resistance to count. The 35-year-old boxer was able to stand up and regain consciousness before the referee counted to 10, but could no longer land any heavy blows in the remaining three rounds.
“In round nine, I was damaged and then immediately recovered. That’s what the Gypsy King does. I’m very grateful that we were both able to leave the ring,” Fury expressed.
The British boxer continues to hint at the possibility of retirement as he wants to spend time with his family and will talk to boss Frank Warren about his next plan. “We just fought. You can see my face and know I just got hit very hard, and so did Usyk,” Fury said. “We’ll go home, eat, drink beer, spend time with family, walk the dog and see what happens.”
Not only was Fury disillusioned with unifying the four most prestigious heavyweight boxing belts, but he also received the first defeat in his professional career. Before losing points to Usyk, the British boxer had one draw and 34 wins, including 24 knockout wins in 35 matches.
According to Johnny Nelson, the boxer who held the WBO cruiserweight title from 1999 to 2006, Fury is very disappointed with the first defeat in his career and may hang up his gloves. “Fury’s team is having serious conversations about motivating him and helping him regain his spirit,” Nelson said on Sky Sports. “Don’t be surprised if Fury retires. What more can he do? This defeat will affect Fury’s psychology and heart.”
