Tyson Fury provides update on retirement plans after ‘very toxic’ admission

Tyson Fury Reflects on His Passion for Boxing and His Upcoming Rematch with Oleksandr Usyk

Heavyweight boxing icon Tyson Fury has shared insights into the irresistible pull that keeps him returning to the ring, even after suffering the first defeat of his professional career. As he gears up for a highly anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, Fury opened up about the “addictive” nature of boxing, revealing the deep connection he still feels with the sport despite the challenges it brings.

Fury, known as the “Gypsy King,” faced a major setback when he lost to Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk in a split points decision during a historic unified world championship bout. The fight, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Fury aiming to achieve sporting immortality by adding the WBO, IBF, and WBA belts to his WBC title. However, it was Usyk who emerged victorious, becoming the first unified world champion since Lennox Lewis at the turn of the century.

The dramatic contest saw Fury narrowly avoid defeat in the ninth round, where he was nearly overwhelmed by Usyk’s 14-punch barrage, leaving the British fighter dazed and on the ropes. Although Fury managed to rally afterward, the damage had already been done, and he struggled to regain control of the fight.

Now, as he prepares for a rematch later this year, Fury has spoken candidly about what drives him to continue competing, even in the face of adversity. In an interview with Dev Sahni of Queensberry Boxing, Fury reflected on his lifelong love for the sport, acknowledging that his relationship with boxing has been both rewarding and tumultuous.

“I’ve been in love with boxing for such a long time – from being a little boy – and I’m 34 now,” Fury said. “I’m probably at the end of my career in the next few years. It’s been a love-hate relationship. It’s been toxic at times.”

Fury described his relationship with boxing as complex, likening it to a tumultuous romance. “When it’s good, it’s very good, and when it’s bad, it’s very toxic. So I’m in that relationship and I don’t just abandon things. I try and make things work and that’s where we are at the minute,” he explained.

The heavyweight legend admitted that he has considered walking away from the sport many times, but the allure of boxing always draws him back. “It’s like a massive drug and an addiction. I know it’s an addiction and I’m an addictive person. Boxing is an addiction; it’s not my best friend. It abuses me. When I come in this gym, it abuses my body, my mind, my soul. But afterwards I feel like it takes me to ecstasy.”

Fury spoke of the intense highs and lows that come with fighting at the elite level, emphasizing that the rush he experiences in the ring is unparalleled. “The rush is unbelievable. It gives me the biggest highs ever, but it also gives me the lowest lows as well. Boxing is more addictive than any drug ever. Ever. You can’t let it go,” he confessed.

Despite the disappointment of losing his chance to become the undisputed world champion, with Usyk expected to be stripped of the IBF title in the coming weeks, Fury remains determined to redeem himself in their upcoming rematch. The “Gypsy King” is embracing the challenge of proving his critics wrong and is looking forward to the opportunity to bounce back from his loss.

“I’ve done everything in boxing but I ain’t come back from a loss. I relish it, the chance to come back and redeem myself. December 21st is all me,” Fury declared, expressing his optimism ahead of the rematch.

As the boxing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this fierce rivalry, Tyson Fury’s passion for the sport remains as strong as ever, driven by the same addictive force that has fueled his illustrious career.