The Gypsy King's Back (Again) - And This Time He's Actually Serious About Hunting That Rabbit

By Lewis Barnett 3 July, 2025 5 mins read 41 Views

Look, I've lost count of how many times Tyson Fury has "retired" from boxing. Four times now? Five? The man changes his mind more often than I change my Netflix password.

But here's the thing that caught my attention yesterday - Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi boxing kingmaker who basically owns half the sport at this point, just dropped a bombshell on Twitter. The Gypsy King is coming back in 2026, and he's got his sights set on Oleksandr Usyk for what would be their third dance.

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Why This Retirement Felt Different

When Fury announced his retirement in January (just a month after getting outboxed by Usyk in their rematch), something felt off. Usually when he pulls this stunt, there's some theatrical element to it. This time? Radio silence. The guy was training three times a day but wouldn't even entertain the idea of fighting Anthony Joshua - and that's a fight that would've made him stupid money.

I honestly thought he was done for real this time.

Then he showed up in Turkey for some IBA tournament and started running his mouth about Usyk again. Classic Fury behavior, really.

Alalshikh's Rabbit Hunt Tweet

The Saudi boxing chief didn't mince words when he posted: "The 'Gypsy King' will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026... We have a rabbit to hunt!"

That rabbit reference isn't random, by the way. Fury's been calling Usyk "the rabbit" since 2022, which is both hilarious and slightly insulting when you think about it. The Ukrainian has beaten him twice now, so maybe it's time for a new nickname?

The Scorecards That Still Haunt Him

Here's where things get interesting (and a bit sad, honestly). Fury genuinely believes he won that second fight against Usyk. Not just believes - he's obsessed with it.

Listen to what he said in Turkey: "I watched it literally 250 times and each way, I never see there's a way he won. But, they can do what they want."

250 times. That's... that's not healthy, Tyson.

The man lost his undefeated record and his WBC belt in their first meeting back in May 2024. Seven months later, he thought he'd figured out the puzzle, only to lose another razor-close decision in December. Those back-to-back losses clearly messed with his head more than he's willing to admit publicly.

What Makes This Different?

Two things stand out about this potential comeback. First, Fury wants the trilogy fight in England, not Saudi Arabia. He's convinced (probably rightly) that he didn't get fair judging in Riyadh and wants home advantage this time.

Second - and this surprised me - he got the green light from his wife Paris. Anyone who follows Fury knows that Paris has been pushing him toward retirement for years. If she's on board with this comeback, there might be something to it.

But here's the reality check: Usyk has other business to handle first. He's defending his undisputed heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois at Wembley on July 19th. At 38, the Ukrainian isn't getting any younger, but he's also shown no signs of slowing down.

The Money Will Be Ridiculous

Let's be honest about what's really driving this. Alalshikh has turned Saudi Arabia into boxing's biggest stage, and a Fury-Usyk trilogy would be massive. We're talking about potentially the richest heavyweight fight in history, especially if both guys are still relevant in 2026.

Fury's 36 now, will be 38 by the time this hypothetical fight happens. Usyk will be pushing 40. Father Time is undefeated, but these two have shown they can still perform at the highest level.

The question isn't whether the fight makes financial sense - it absolutely does. The question is whether Fury can actually solve the Usyk puzzle after failing twice, or if he's just setting himself up for more heartbreak.

My gut says he'll be back. The man can't help himself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I be looking for when selecting a gym to train in boxing?

You should look for a boxing facility that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, has experienced instructors and is approachable. It should also have a range of classes to suit all levels, good equipment and positive feedback from existing members. You can also get a better feel for the atmosphere and style of training at a gym by trying out a trial session.

What are common boxing mistakes beginners make?

The most common mistakes are: overextending your punches; dropping your hands; ignoring defense; holding your breath. A qualified coach can help you identify and correct these errors early on to prevent them from becoming habits.

How long is it necessary to learn boxing?

The time taken to become proficient in Boxing can vary widely between individuals. It depends on factors like natural ability and consistency in training. With regular training, your basic skills could improve significantly within a few short months.

What should I concentrate on as a boxing beginner?

Beginners should focus on proper technique and form. Mastering basic punches is one way to get started. Another is to establish a good defense, learn footwork, or improve your conditioning. Start slow, focus on technique rather than power, and consult a coach with experience.

Statistics

Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.

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How To

How to deliver a powerful uppercut in Boxing

The uppercut, when delivered accurately, can be a game-changing punch. Lower your rear hand slightly and bend your knees to drop your level. While driving your rear hand up in an upwards arc, pivot your rear leg and thrust your hips forward. Your lead hand should be raised to protect your face. Instead of relying on just your arm for power, use your legs to generate it.