Fury's "Retirement" Lasted About as Long as My New Year's Diet

By Lewis Barnett 4 July, 2025 7 mins read 33 Views

God, here we go again.

Tyson Fury announced his fourth career retirement back in January - and honestly, I should've started a betting pool on how long this one would last. Spoiler alert: it's July now, and surprise surprise, the Gypsy King is already teasing another comeback. At this point, Fury's retirements have the shelf life of milk left out in the sun.

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The Saudi Connection (Because Everything Goes Through Riyadh Now)

So here's what's actually happening behind the scenes. Turki Alalshikh - you know, the Saudi boxing chief who's basically running the sport with an unlimited checkbook - has been having chats with Fury. And according to Eddie Hearn (who, let's be honest, knows where his bread is buttered), the plan isn't just to throw Fury and Joshua together immediately.

Nope. They want both fighters to have "comeback fights" first. Smart business, really - milk two separate events before the main course.

Hearn told BoxingScene: "They want them both to have, say, a comeback fight, a fight. And then, in my opinion, Turki's going to move straight forward and make AJ-Fury."

AJ's Been Quiet (Too Quiet)

Anthony Joshua hasn't fought since Daniel Dubois knocked him flat in September. That was brutal to watch, honestly - AJ hitting the canvas like he'd been shot by a sniper. He had elbow surgery in May, which explains the extended break, but Hearn expects him back in November or December.

Poor AJ. The guy's been chasing this Fury fight for years, and now he's gotta take a tune-up first? It's like being told you can have dessert, but only after you finish your vegetables.

Meanwhile, Usyk's Actually Staying Busy

While Fury's playing retirement roulette and Joshua's nursing his elbow, Oleksandr Usyk is doing what champions do - defending his titles. He's got a rematch with Dubois coming up on July 19 at Wembley. Remember their first fight in 2023? Usyk stopped him, but Dubois has been on a tear since then (just ask Joshua).

Fury's Revenge Tour Fantasy

Here's where it gets interesting. Fury's still convinced he got robbed in both fights against Usyk. And honestly? I get it. Those were close fights, especially the first one. But claiming you were "robbed" when you got dropped in the ninth round of the second fight... that's a tough sell, Tyson.

"Who would I rather fight right now? Usyk," Fury said. "I want my revenge in England, that's all I want."

He continued: "I want my fair shout, and I don't believe I've got a fair shout the last two times. I don't know what I'm going to have to do, because I can't let it go to a decision."

That last part is key. Fury knows he can't win a decision against Usyk - not with those judges, not anywhere. He needs a knockout, and we all know how that usually goes for heavyweight boxers who feel pressured to score a KO.

The Fight That Could Break the Internet

But if the Usyk trilogy doesn't happen (and let's be real, Usyk might not want to give Fury another shot), then we get the consolation prize that's actually bigger than the main event.

Fury vs. Joshua. The fight that should've happened in 2021 when both guys were undefeated. The fight that got derailed by legal issues, ego clashes, and more failed negotiations than a Hollywood writers' strike.

"It would break all records and it would sell out 100,000 at Wembley in an hour," Fury said. And you know what? He's probably right. Even now, even after both guys have taken losses, this fight would be massive.

The British boxing public has been waiting for this showdown for years. It's like watching your two favorite bands tease a collaboration that never happens - except this time, there's actually a Saudi prince with enough money to make it work.

My Take? It's Happening

Look, I've been covering boxing long enough to know that when there's this much money on the table and this much public demand, fights tend to happen. Fury will have his comeback fight (probably against someone whose name we'll forget in six months), Joshua will do the same, and then we'll get the main event.

Will it live up to the hype? That's the million-dollar question. Both fighters are past their prime, both have shown vulnerabilities, and both are coming off losses. But sometimes the anticipation is worth more than the actual event.

Either way, Fury's retirement is officially over. Again. Until the next one, anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is necessary for a new professional boxer?

The essential boxing equipment for someone who is just getting started in professional fighting includes gloves, wraps, a headgear and footwear. Technical workouts require a heavy bag or speed bag as well as a double-end, double-end, or other training aids. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.

What qualities should a person look for in a trainer or coach of boxing?

When looking for a trainer or boxing coach, it is important to look at their coaching style compatibility and experience. They should also have a good understanding of the technical and strategy aspects of boxing. A good trainer also stresses safety, conditioning, as well as personal growth. To reach your boxing potential, you need a coach who is able to motivate and communicate well.

How important is mental strength in professional boxing?

In professional boxing, mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness. It requires resilience, focus, a high level of pressure tolerance, and a strong psychological attitude to overcome obstacles. Mental preparation involves stress management techniques and developing an aggressive mindset in order to overcome the challenges of the ring. Without mental toughness, a boxer may struggle to perform optimally under the intense conditions of professional competition.

Can anyone learn to box professionally?

Although boxing can be enjoyed by many, not all will have the skills to compete at professional levels. The combination of talent, physical ability, mental toughness and dedication is required for professional boxing. Prospective boxers also need to be willing to accept the inherent risks associated with the sport. A thorough examination by a trainer is a good way to determine whether or not someone has potential for a boxing career.

How important is physical fitness in professional boxing?

Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands that athletes have high levels in strength, speed, stamina, and agility. Professional boxers must engage in a tailored fitness program that includes aerobic and anaerobic exercises, strength and resistance training, and flexibility workouts. A boxer's performance in the ring and ability to train is severely compromised without superior physical conditioning.

How long will it take me to become a boxer professional?

The time to become professional boxer can differ greatly. The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It all depends on an individual's skill level at the start, their ability to adapt to the sport and the quality training they receive. It may take several years for a dedicated amateur athlete to reach the level of a professional. However, some exceptional talents might advance more quickly, while others may need more time to develop.

What are the dangers of professional boxing?

Professional boxing, like any contact sport, carries inherent risks. These include acute injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, and head trauma, as well as potential chronic conditions from repeated impacts, such as concussion syndromes or neurological disorders. The risks can be reduced with proper training, safety devices, and adhering to boxing rules, but never completely eliminated. Boxing professionally requires you to accept and understand these risks.

Statistics

Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.

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How To

How to select the best boxing coach

Your professional goals will be impacted by your choice of boxing coach. Find a coach that has a successful track record in training boxers. He or she should emphasize safety, technique, and a personalized approach. You can decide by watching their communication and dedication with current fighters. A good instructor will not just instruct, but inspire and push you towards your potential.