Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury announced his retirement on Monday night, supposedly dashing hopes of a blockbuster all-British showdown with rival Anthony Joshua. The more cynical might argue that the fight actually moved a step closer.
Fury was conspicuous by his absence as the boxing world convened at The Ring magazine awards in London on Saturday night. His decision to skip the lavish ceremony made sense though, given he is still licking his wounds after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their Riyadh rematch on December 21.
But then came the announcement – a 17-second social media video from the 'Gypsy King' revealing he was hanging up his gloves. “It's been a blast,” he said.
For seasoned Fury observers, this is his third or maybe even fourth retirement.
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Oleksandr Usyk lands a left jab on Tyson Fury. Reuters -
Usyk and Fury exchange blows. Reuters -
Fury goes on the attack against Usyk. Reuters -
Usyk and Fury trade in the middle of the ring. Reuters -
Usyk and Fury trade in the middle of the ring. Reuters -
Usyk and Fury stand in the ring during the announcement of the winner. AFP -
Fury and Usyk embrace at the end. AFP -
Oleksandr Usyk speaks to the media after his victory. Getty Images -
Tyson Fury during a press conference following his defeat. PA -
General view before the fight at Kingdom Arena. Reuters -
Ukraine's Usyk arrives for the heavyweight world championship rematch. AFP -
Ukraine's Usyk stands up for his national anthem. AFP -
Fury arrives for the heavyweight world championship rematch. AFP -
Team Usyk celebrate their win at the end. Getty Images
And with a pension-feathering final bumper payday against Joshua on the horizon, it could certainly be interpreted as a thinly-veiled ploy.
After all, how better to improve your bargaining position for a much anticipated fight than by declaring yourself unavailable?
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn who, along with his fighter, has been publicly calling for the bout from the moment Usyk's hand was raised in the kingdom last month, is among the sceptics.
“I saw that coming,” said Hearn. “If you ever want to come back and get the max, you have to retire first, haven’t you? Someone then has to bring you out of retirement.
“If that’s the last we see of Tyson Fury then good luck to him. I doubt it personally but whatever he chooses to do, much respect to him. I think he’ll want to fight again, I think he will get bored and he will know the British public want to see the AJ fight.
“My personal belief is we’ll see him in the ring again. If not then good luck to the man. If he wants to retire there’s nothing we can do about it. If he’s up for the fight – the biggest fight in the sport – then great. My gut feeling is we’ll see it.”
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Daniel Dubois celebrates after winning his IBF heavyweight world title fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 21, 2024. Reuters -
Daniel Dubois lands a jab on Anthony Joshua during their fight at Wembley Stadium. AP -
Daniel Dubois lands a blow on Anthony Joshua on his way to a fifth-round knockout. AP -
Daniel Dubois sends Anthony Joshua to the canvas during their heavyweight bout in London. PA -
Anthony Joshua gets knocked down by Daniel Dubois during their heavyweight world title fight. PA -
Daniel Dubois stands over Anthony Joshua after knocking hi down during their bout in London. PA -
Anthony Joshua lies knocked out during the fifth round of his heavyweight world title bout against Daniel Dubois. AP -
Anthony Joshua removes his gloves after losing to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. AFP -
Daniel Dubois is all smiles during the post-fight press conference. Getty Images -
Anthony Joshua speaks to the media during the post-fight press conference following his defeat to Daniel Dubois. Getty Images -
A fireworks display takes place before the main event fight between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua. Getty Images
It would be fair to say that the majority share Hearn's assessment of the situation.
Fury's capricious and outspoken nature has ensured a career full of contradictory behaviour and inflammatory statements. Some of those remarks have been particularly controversial, although it is worth noting that a man who inflicts and receives head trauma for a living is probably not the best option to provide moral guidance.
It has, however, helped fuel his rivalry with Joshua, who emerged as an altogether more wholesome heavyweight hero.
Their differences are pronounced, whether that be their backgrounds, personalities or fighting style, and as the two most famous heavyweights of the era, it's a source of huge frustration that they've both seemingly lurched into decline without ever fighting.
The politics of boxing, egos and finance have all been factors in keeping them apart, but the flow of Saudi capital into the sport has washed away all such impediments.
Despite an improved performance, Fury was unable to go through the gears as he lost to Usyk for a second time and looked like a fighter scarred by his battles in and out of the ring.
Joshua was knocked out heavily by Daniel Dubois last September in a fashion that suggests he should also consider retirement.
The end is clearly near for two fighters who have done everything in their careers except fight each other.
And while a 2025 showdown would lack the relevance and glamour of them fighting for the heavyweight title at their peak, it would still rank among the biggest fights that can be made in the sport.
With the financial backing of Riyadh Season there has never been a better time to be a heavyweight, and Fury has always been confident of beating Joshua, describing himself as his rival's “kryptonite”.
The lure of one final lucrative bout will surely prove too strong – despite what Fury has said this week.
