Tyson Fury retires: Dick Turpin, Oleksandr Usyk & Anthony Joshua

Tyson Fury shocked the boxing world by suddenly deciding to record a retirement video while drinking coffee and posting it on social media. He did not inform his manager, Spencer Brown, beforehand, even though they had spoken the day before. His promoter, Frank Warren, and his assistant coach and cousin, Andy Lee, were also completely unaware.

Brown was on his way to a press conference in London when his phone began ringing non-stop. He was informed that Fury had just announced his retirement on social media. “Are you sure it’s not a fake video?” was his initial reaction. He then immediately contacted the former unified heavyweight world champion.

Brown said in an interview with BBC 5 Live Boxing, “I laughed and said to him, ‘Thanks for telling me,’ which is so typical of you. He replied, ‘I just had a coffee and thought (to announce retirement).’ That’s Tyson Fury.” Fury had previously retired four times, so many questioned whether he was actually quitting the sport this time.

This retirement announcement surprised even Fury’s own team and came just as people were starting to buzz about his long-awaited fight with Anthony Joshua. Is this a negotiating tactic, or has Fury really decided to end his illustrious career? His career includes winning world titles twice and claiming all the belts in the division.

Fury's last retirement announcement was in 2022, after he defeated Dillian Whyte at Wembley. Five months later, he fought Derek Chisora. Boxing figures such as Carl Froch, Tony Bellew, Barry Jones, and Carl Frampton have all raised doubts about the authenticity of this news.

Frampton stated, “To be honest, I don’t believe him. He’s probably retired at least three times. I think we will probably see him back.” Jones' initial reaction was similar: “That’s just Fury being Fury. What he says today might not be what he thinks tomorrow.”

The video itself was also somewhat cryptic, mentioning the infamous 18th-century highwayman Dick Turpin. “Dick Turpin wore a mask,” Fury said in the video. This phrase is sometimes used by those who feel they have been robbed. Was Fury referring to his loss to Oleksandr Usyk on December 21st? He certainly stated that he was "robbed," while the Ukrainian received an "early Christmas present" after the decision.

Despite the doubts, host Bunce stated that Fury's family, including his wife Paris and their seven children, want him to retire after 25 years in the sport. “He retired in the past because he was in a dark place,” Bunce added. “Maybe this is a reflective Tyson Fury. He gave it his best shot, but he lost to Usyk. He’s also getting older. Maybe this time it’s real, and it might be the right time for him to call it a day.”

Lee, a regular member of Fury’s team, said the announcement was shocking but not unexpected, as Fury had been “very disappointed” with boxing since losing to Usyk. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggested on Monday that Fury may be trying to gain the upper hand in potential negotiations with Joshua. Brown stated that no negotiations had taken place, and when asked if Fury would fight again, he said, "never say never."

Jones believes Fury may have announced his retirement to gain more “leverage” in negotiations with Joshua. “He’s clever, saying he’s retired to gain more money,” Jones said. However, Frampton is convinced Fury is bluffing. “If he starts talking about a fight with Joshua in the next month or two, I think that would do some damage to his reputation,” Frampton said. “You can’t keep retiring and coming back. If you make a statement, make sure it’s true.”

While the debate about Fury’s true intentions continues, there is no doubt that the Briton has had an illustrious career. He first competed as an amateur in 2005, turned professional in 2009, and has a professional record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. The only thing he failed to achieve was holding all four world titles simultaneously.

Fury made a comeback in 2018 from a two-year doping ban and nearly three years of absence, during which he battled severe depression and gained 10 stone. The loss to Usyk is unlikely to impact Fury’s record too much, as he has fought almost all of his direct rivals, except for Joshua. Bunce said, “Will he go down as a great like Lennox Lewis, Muhammad Ali, or a young Mike Tyson? No. But has he had an amazing impact on global sport? Absolutely.”

Both Lee and Brown described Fury as a leading "character" in boxing and praised him for overcoming all odds. Brown said his old friend has been “absolutely brilliant” for the sport and will be remembered as one of the greatest boxers. “It’s probably the craziest story in boxing history,” Brown said. “It will be very quiet without him. Who will fill that void? I don’t think anyone can, can they?”