Tyson Fury Announces Retirement After Usyk Defeat

LONDON, England — Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury announced his retirement from boxing on Monday, just one month after losing a rematch to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk. The 36-year-old Briton made the announcement on social media, marking his third retirement declaration in a career filled with comebacks and dramatic turns.

“I’m going to make this short and sweet, I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing,” Fury said in a video posted online. “It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it.” Fury, known for his flamboyant personality, ended his statement with a cryptic reference to Dick Turpin, an 18th-century English highway robber, leaving fans puzzled.

Fury’s decision comes after a unanimous decision loss to Usyk on Dec. 21 in Saudi Arabia, where he landed only 28% of his punches compared to Usyk’s 42%. The defeat followed a split-decision loss to Usyk in May, which marked the first losses of Fury’s career. His record now stands at 34 wins, two losses, and one draw, with 24 knockouts.

Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, told BBC Radio 5 Live that he had not spoken to Fury before the announcement. “If that’s what he wants to do, that’s great,” Warren said. “He’s done everything he can do. Probably been the best British heavyweight of his generation by far.”

Fury’s career has been marked by highs and lows, including a stunning victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to claim multiple heavyweight titles. After a hiatus to address mental health struggles, Fury returned to the ring in 2018, eventually defeating Deontay Wilder in 2020 to become a two-time champion.

Despite his retirement announcement, many fans and analysts remain skeptical. Fury has previously retired in 2013 and 2017, only to return to the ring. A potential super-fight with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, long anticipated by fans, could still lure Fury back. Joshua recently hinted at the possibility of a future bout, reigniting speculation.

If this retirement sticks, Fury will leave behind a legacy as one of Britain’s greatest heavyweights, with a career defined by resilience, showmanship, and unforgettable fights.