Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury shocked the boxing world yet again by announcing his retirement from the sport on January 13, 2025, following consecutive defeats to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury, known for his flamboyant personality and unpredictable decisions, posted a video on social media stating, “It’s been a blast… God bless everybody, see you on the other side.”
A Career of Highs and Sudden Exits
This is Fury’s fifth retirement since his professional debut in 2008. His career highlights include:
Winning the unified heavyweight titles from Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.
Three memorable bouts against Deontay Wilder, cementing his legacy as a dominant heavyweight.
A professional record of 34 wins (24 KOs), 2 losses, and 1 draw.
However, Fury’s career has also been punctuated by abrupt retirements, usually followed by dramatic comebacks.
Defeats to Usyk
Fury’s decision comes less than a month after a unanimous decision loss to Usyk in December 2024, where he was outclassed in a rematch for the undisputed heavyweight title.
Usyk landed 42% of his punches (179 of 423), compared to Fury’s 28% accuracy (144 of 509).
The defeat followed their first bout in May 2024, where Fury lost via split decision.
Fury was frustrated after the fights, admitting he had underestimated Usyk and engaged in unnecessary showboating in their first encounter.
Promoter and Industry Reactions
Fury’s announcement caught his promoter, Frank Warren, by surprise:
“If that’s what he wants to do, that’s what he should do… He’s had a fantastic career. I’ve loved every minute of it, and I hope all the fans have as well.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn hinted that the retirement might be a negotiating tactic:
“You get a better deal coming out of retirement… or maybe he just hasn’t got the stomach for it anymore.”
Tyson Fury’s Retirement History
Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing on five separate occasions, often following pivotal moments in his career. Here’s a detailed look at each instance, including his quotes and eventual returns to the ring:
First Retirement
When: November 20, 2013
Why: Fury retired after his scheduled fight with David Haye was cancelled twice due to Haye’s injuries. Frustrated with the situation and the boxing world, Fury posted:
“Hi everyone, I have officially retired from boxing. There’s too many b— people in the sport. They will have to f— someone else. Goodbye boxing.”
“Just to confirm, I’m not in a bad mood or anything. I’ve retired 1000000% no matter what, I’ll never fight again!”
Return: Three months later, Fury returned to defeat American Joey Abell on February 15, 2014. He explained his earlier decision as a result of his “different moods.”
Second Retirement
When: October 3, 2016
Why: After withdrawing from a scheduled rematch with Wladimir Klitschko to focus on his mental health, Fury retired with a Twitter post:
“Boxing is the saddest thing I ever took part in. All a pile of s—. I’m the greatest, and I’m also retired. So go suck a d—. Happy days.”
Reversal: Just hours later, Fury backtracked, tweeting:
“You think you will get rid of the Gypsy King that easy!!! I’m here to stay.”
Despite retracting the retirement, Fury vacated his WBA, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles nine days later. His boxing license was suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) due to an ongoing UK Anti-Doping investigation.
Third Retirement
When: August 1, 2017
Why: Still inactive since his 2015 win over Klitschko, Fury announced his retirement while awaiting the conclusion of the anti-doping case. He posted:
“Been very blessed in my life & career, achieved the upmost in boxing. Was an epic journey along the way. Thanks to all the fans that supported & believed in me. THE END.”
Return: Fury’s boxing license was reinstated in January 2018 after resolving the doping charges. He returned to the ring in June 2018, defeating Sefer Seferi.
Fourth Retirement
When: April 23, 2022
Why: Fury announced his retirement after defeating Dillian Whyte in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, citing that he had achieved everything he set out to accomplish:
“I have fulfilled everything I’ve ever wanted to fulfill. I’m retiring as only the second heavyweight in history to retire unbeaten.”
In August 2022, Fury reaffirmed his decision, tweeting:
“I’ve finally decided to walk away, and on my 34th birthday I say bon voyage.”
He relinquished his Ring Magazine title on the same day.
Return: By October 2022, Fury announced a trilogy fight with Derek Chisora, which he won in December of that year.
Retirement No. 5
When: January 13, 2025
Why: Fury announced his retirement after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title. In a video posted to social media, he said:
“It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it, and I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.”
The reference to the 18th-century highwayman suggested Fury felt “robbed” in his unanimous decision loss to Usyk in December 2024.
Status: As of now, this remains Fury’s most recent retirement. Promoter Eddie Hearn has speculated that this could be another strategic move to negotiate higher pay for future fights.
Summary of Retirements
2013: Retired over frustration with cancelled fights but returned after three months.
2016: Retired amidst mental health struggles but reversed the decision within hours.
2017: Retired during a doping investigation but returned a year later.
2022: Retired after a career-defining win but returned by the end of the year.
2025: Retired following consecutive losses to Usyk, with speculation about another comeback.
A Legacy in Question?
While Fury is one of Britain’s most accomplished heavyweights, his erratic decisions often overshadow his in-ring achievements.
His latest retirement leaves questions about whether this is truly the end or another prelude to a comeback.
If this is truly the final chapter, Fury exits as a polarizing but undeniably impactful figure in the history of heavyweight boxing.
(Credit: ESPN)
