Tyson Fury holds celebrates his wins as he displays his belts. Photo: Twitter
Tyson Fury has reaffirmed his retirement from boxing in a statement on his social media accounts, saying “bon voyage” to the sport on his 34th birthday.
Fury announced he was retiring from the sport after his win over Dillian Whyte to retain his WBC World Heavyweight title at London’s Wembley Stadium, in April.
But in June ‘The Gypsy King’ announced he would “100 percent” return to the ring, although he stressed “big pockets” would be required for a potential unification bout against the winner of the upcoming rematch, between Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk.
Just two days ago Fury announced a return to the ring with his sights set on a third bout with Derek Chisora.
However, the Gipsy King now seems to have called it a day for good, posting: “Massive thanks to everyone who had an input in my career over the years, and after long hard conversations I have finally decided to walk away, and on my 34th birthday I say Bon voyage.”
However, his UK promoter Frank Warren is still consistently optimistic that he would be back, in the ring, soon. But he was quick to add that it’s got to come from him and his heart.
Fury’s US-based promoter Bob Arum says “Fury’s retirement statement or the one denouncing his retirement depends on the weather and how he wakes up in the morning”, but as someone with vast experience in the sport, he does not take such talk too seriously.
Meanwhile, a heavyweight contender, Joe Joyce says for Anthony Joshua to beat Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine in their rematch, on August 20th; the Briton must “become an offensive fighter” again.
Joyce boxed both Joshua and Usyk as an amateur boxer, when he was on the GB squad Joyce sparred countless rounds with Joshua at the English Institute of Sport.
He is also the No.1 ranked challenger for the WBO heavyweight belt, one of the three titles Usyk and Joshua will contest on August 20, in Saudi Arabia.
According to Sky Sports News, this fact makes Joyce an interested observer of their rematch.
Reporting by Chinedum Ohanusi; editing by Muzha Kucha