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 281lbs in an attempt to impose his size on the shorter Usyk has somewhat worked. However, Usyka's ringcraft got past him again in the rematch. Although he doesn't have the power to knock out heavyweights, Oleksandr Usyk is a master tactician. People call boxing the “sweet science”, and Usyk is definitely a professor at that.
Now the question is what's next for Tyson Fury. There is no contractual obligation for Oleksandr Usyk to fight Fury again. There are also rumors that Usyk will return 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 will be remembered for being a two-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Fury came out of nowhere to beat Wladimir Klitschko and take the world title. Klitschko was considered invincible by many boxing commentators, as he dominated the heavyweight division for more than a decade. Fury's victory over Klitschko in Düsseldorf, Germany on November 28, 2015 was even more special because it took place in Klitschko's adopted homeland.
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 an incredible 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 any boxer, let alone a heavyweight, signing a photo of his opponent punching him in the face in a world title fight. However, that's exactly what Fury did during yesterday's pre-fight press conference, when Oleksandr Usyk asked him to sign a photo of Fury being punched by Usyk during their fight in May. We're told this photo will be auctioned off, with the proceeds used to help Usyk's compatriots in the war effort in Ukraine.
While Fury has never claimed or wanted to be a role model, he is also considered an inspiration to many with mental health issues, having 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 can help launch a potentially lucrative acting career. Alternatively, he could become a successful trainer, help and advise young fighters, start a boxing career. The world really is Fury's oyster.
For now, he should be enjoying a well-deserved break with his family in his beloved hometown of Morecambe, England.
Thank you, Tyson. We wish you the best in whatever you choose next.