Tyson Fury: A legend in the sport of boxing

For the many Tyson Fury fans out there, his loss to Oleksandr Usyk last night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was a bitter pill to swallow. Fury’s strategy of bulking up to a career-heaviest 281 pounds to try to impose his size on the smaller Usyk worked to a degree. However, Usyk’s ringcraft saw him back through the rematch. Although he lacks the power to inflict knockouts on the big heavyweights, Oleksandr Usyk is a master tactician. People call boxing “the sweet science,” and Usyk is certainly a teacher.

The question now is what’s next for Tyson Fury. There is no contractual obligation for Oleksandr Usyk to fight Fury again. There are also rumors that Usyk will return to Cruiserweight soon. If that is the case, then the only possible way for Tyson Fury to fight for the world heavyweight title again is to compete for the WBO belt currently held by Daniel Dubois.

If Fury decides to retire, it wouldn’t hurt his reputation. He would be remembered for being a two-time heavyweight boxing champion. Fury came from nowhere to beat Wladimir Klitschko and take the world title. Klitschko was seen as invincible by many boxing commentators, having dominated the heavyweight division for over a decade. Fury’s victory over Klitschko in Düsseldorf, Germany on November 28, 2015 was even more special as it happened in Klitschko’s adopted country.

Fury then took part in an exciting trilogy with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Fury won the WBC belt from Wilder in their second fight in February 2020 in Las Vegas, becoming a two-time world champion. Tyson Fury defended his WBC title in Las Vegas against Deontay Wilder on October 9, 2021, defeating Wilder by stunning knockout.

In addition to Tyson Fury’s skills as a boxer and destructive fighter, he is a kind and generous person. It’s hard to imagine that any boxer, let alone a heavyweight, would autograph a photo of himself getting punched in the face by his opponent in a world title fight. However, that’s precisely what Fury did during a pre-fight press conference yesterday, when Oleksandr Usyk asked him to sign a photo of Fury being punched by Usyk during their fight in May. We’re told this photo will be auctioned off with proceeds going to help Usyk’s compatriots with the war effort in Ukraine.

Although Fury has never claimed or sought to be a role model for others, he is also seen as an inspiration to many with mental health issues as he has successfully battled his own demons after winning the Wladimir Klitschko’s world title.

All in all, Tyson Fury has a lot to contribute to the world, should he retire from boxing. His charisma can help him launch a potentially lucrative career in acting. Alternatively, he could become a successful trainer, helping and mentoring young fighters, embarking on a boxing career. The world really is Fury’s oyster.

For now though, he should be enjoying a well-deserved holiday with his family in his beloved hometown of Morecambe in England.

Thanks, Tyson. We wish you the best in whatever you want to do next.