Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren had no idea the former world heavyweight champion was going to announce his retirement this afternoon.
Fury appeared on X to reveal he was going to walk away from the sport for a second time following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last month.
The 36-year-old had been expected to take on Anthony Joshua this summer in London but that now appears to be off.
‘He’s been something special.’ 🥊🙌
🗣️ @FrankWarren with his immediate reaction to Tyson Fury retiring from boxing.#BBCBoxing #TysonFury pic.twitter.com/c0cek7Ihvi
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) January 13, 2025
Asked if he knew the announcement was coming, Warren told BBC 5 Live: “Not at all, I’ve not spoken with him about it.
“I’ve said all along that there is no way I will be trying to in anyway influence him.
“If that’s what he wants to do, that’s great. He’s done everything he can do. Probably been the best British heavyweight of his generation by far. Two-time world champion, two closely fought fights against Usyk. He’s got plenty of money, got his wits about him, got a lovely family. God bless him, enjoy.
“He’s become a world star. If you look at some of the fights he’s had, he’s not been in one fight that hasn’t been exciting. Very, very exciting fights. Big heart, got off the floor when he’s been knocked down by big punches and come back to win fights. He’s been something special.”
It is not the first time Fury has retired. He did so in 2022 after beating Dillian Whyte only to return to the ring six months later for a third bout with Derek Chisora.
Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing again!#BBCBoxing pic.twitter.com/MiQ68JL0Ft
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 13, 2025
And in his announcement earlier, Fury made reference to Dick Turpin, a British highwayman who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, comments that lend weight to the theory he had not been offered what he wanted to take on Joshua.
Whether that fight can be resurrected remains to be seen.
