In a shocking revelation, Tyson Fury has insisted that he has no interest in fighting the top contenders in the heavyweight division.
When I use the term ‘shocking’, it is one that is used loosely. Let’s be honest, nothing that Tyson Fury says can be taken too seriously. Everything should be taken with a pinch of salt.
The WBC heavyweight champion and self proclaimed ‘greatest fighting man the world has ever seen’ has made a number of outlandish and bold statements in the past. Earlier this year, Tyson insisted that he was going to retire from the sport of boxing… For the thirty-eighth time in the last three years.
His latest comments however suggest that the heavyweight champion may be done fighting real boxers unless the price is right.
Tyson Fury’s Desire to Make Bank
Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing about his reasons for returning to the ring, Fury claimed “When I came back into boxing, I said I wanted to make as much money as possible. I didn’t come back this time for belts or titles or anything. I came back to secure my family and their family and their kids and their grandkids and I’ve done it. This is the reason why I’m even boxing anymore. One to regain the belts which I’ve done. Two, and more than that, is to get the biggest banks possible.”
When asked about fighting upcoming contenders, Fury continued, “I’ve no interest in fighting those guys. I’m bigger than all of them. I’m a superstar. They’re nobodies. I need to get a big bag offered, that’s what it is. You’re coming to the cash-cow so prepare to have a big chequebook.”
Quotes are to be credited to www.combatsportsuk.co.uk and were transcribed from Tyson Fury’s interview with Sky Sports Boxing.
Is Tyson Fury as Good as He Tells Us He Is?
I honestly believe that Tyson Fury is the greatest heavyweight of his era. That being said, I am basing my assessment on the eye-test alone, with a few signature wins sprinkled in on top.
Skill-for-skill, he may be the greatest. As far as his resume, it isn’t the most flattering. Not for one minute, am I prepared to take Tyson’s victories over Wladimir Klitschko in Germany and his trilogy with Deontay WIlder away from him. However, in order for Tyson to get his shot at Klitschko back in 2015, Fury defeated Dereck Chisora, whom he had already beaten once before and Christian Hammer.
Then came that unforgettable night against Klitschko in Germany. Nobody gave Fury a chance but he embarrassed the reigning champion in his own ‘back garden’ to win the WBA, WBO, IBF & Ring magazine titles. Despite achieving a life-long dream, Fury was stripped of the IBF title just ten days after winning it due to him not being able to face his mandatory challenger for the belt. The reason for this? Klitschko had a rematch clause in the event that he were to lose to Fury, meaning that Fury’s next fight had to be against the former champ.
Drug Problems
Fury was due to face Klitschko in a rematch on July 2016 but one month out from the fight date, it was announced that Fury had sustained an ankle injury and the fight was postponed. Coincidentally, on the exact same day, Fury was charged with a failed drugs test from back in February (before the Klitschko fight). Nandrolone was the substance that was predominantly found, an anabolic steroid.
On September 23rd, the Klitschko fight was once more postponed after Fury was declared ‘medically unfit’. It was later discovered that Fury had failed another drugs test for cocaine, one day prior the postponement.
In 2016, pending an investigation surrounding his cocaine use, Tyson Fury was stripped of the WBA and WBO titles. Fury announced that he had relinquished the belts in order to focus on his mental health. In 2017, Fury announced that he would return to the ring but the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) immediately put out a statement claiming that Fury was still suspended. Fury was given a back-dated ban, meaning he was eligible to compete again in 2018.
The Comeback
Fury returned in 2018 after almost three years out of the ring. He beat Sefer Seferi in what was accepted as a tick-over opponent for an overweight Fury. A quick turnaround saw him face Francesco Pianeta in August before going on to face Deontay Wilder in December. Fury’s bout with Wilder in December was a reminder of why he had been top of the tree. He comprehensively out boxed the big-hitting Wilder over 12 rounds but was knocked down and seemingly out in the final round. Fury was able to rise to the referee’s count and see the final bell. The fight was announced a split draw and saw Fury robbed on the scorecards.
Fury went on to face Tom Schwarz and Otto Wallin before stepping back in with Wilder. Wilder and Fury shared an incredible trilogy. A draw and two stoppage wins for Tyson. These were legacy defining fights for both men but particularly for the victor in Tyson Fury.
Since then, Fury has defeated Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora for the third time and is now taking on Francis Ngannou.
Tyson Fury: Money Over Legacy?
Fury’s performance against Wladimir Klitschko cannot be underestimated. However, with a failed drugs test for an anabolic steroid prior to their bout, it casts shade over that victory. His trilogy against Deontay Wilder is undeniable. Wilder may be the heaviest hitting heavyweight we have ever seen but also lacks a certain skill-level and most would concede that he isn’t the most attractive boxer, despite being effective.
Outside of those performances, Fury hasn’t really faced anybody of real note. Fury has proven to be the problem in making both the Anthony Joshua and Oleksander Usyk fights. Along with the rematch for Wladimir Klitschko. Now, it seems Fury is only interested in gimmick fights where he is paid handsomely.
Can we blame him for this? Absolutely not. He puts his life on the line every time he steps in there so it isn’t our place to tell him what he should do. If Tyson Fury decides that money is more important to him than legacy then by all means, crack on but if Fury is serious about not facing Oleksander Usyk or any other heavyweight contenders, he needs to vacate or be stripped of the WBC title so that the heavyweight division can move on once more.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
