For many of Tyson Fury’s supporters, 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-heavy 281 pounds in an attempt to impose his size on the smaller Usika worked somewhat. However, Usik’s ringcraft got the better of him again in the rematch. Although he doesn’t have the power to knock out top heavyweights, Oleksandr Usyk is a master tactician. People call boxing a “sweet science”, and Usyk is definitely a professor at it.
Now the question is what’s next for Tyson Fury. There is no contractual obligation for Oleksandr Usyk to fight Fury again. Usyk is also rumored to be returning to Cruiserweight soon. If that is the case, 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 won’t hurt his reputation. He would be remembered for being a two-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Fury came out of nowhere to defeat Wladimir Klitschko and win the world title. Many boxing commentators considered Klitschko unbeatable, having dominated the heavyweight division for over a decade. Fury’s victory over Klitschko in Dusseldorf, Germany on November 28, 2015 was even more special as it happened in Klitschko’s home country.
Fury was then involved in an exciting trilogy with Deontay Wilder, the former WBC champion. Fury won the WBC belt from Wilder in their second fight in February 2020 in Las Vegas, making Fury a two-time world champion. Tyson Fury then defended his WBC title in Las Vegas against Deontay Wilder on October 9, 2021, defeating Wilder by a stunning knockout.
In addition to Tyson Fury’s skills as a boxer and destructive fighter, he is a lovable and generous person. It’s hard to imagine that any boxer, let alone a heavyweight, would autograph a photo of his opponent punching him in the face in a world title fight. However, that’s exactly what Fury did at yesterday’s pre-fight press conference, when Oleksandr Usyk asked him to sign a photo of Fury punching Usyk during their fight in May. We’re told this photo will be auctioned off and the proceeds will be used to help Usyk’s compatriots in the war effort in Ukraine.
Although Fury never claimed or wanted to be a role model, he was also seen as an inspiration to many with mental health issues, as he famously and successfully battled his own demons after winning the world title from Wladimir Klitschko.
All in all, Tyson Fury has a lot to contribute to the world if he retires from boxing. His charisma may help him launch a potentially lucrative career in acting. Alternatively, he could become a successful trainer, helping and advising young fighters, starting a boxing career. The world really is Fury’s oyster.
However, for now, he should be enjoying a well-deserved holiday with his family in his beloved hometown of Morecambe, England.
Thank you Tyson. We wish you success in whatever you decide to do next.