Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has publicly responded to sharp criticism from his father, John Fury, who openly voiced his frustration over his son’s latest decision to return to professional boxing.
Tyson Fury says he understands where his father is coming from, but insists he still cannot bring himself to retire, despite multiple attempts to step away from the sport.
“At some point, sure, you have to stop, but for me, there just is no finish line,” Fury said. “Mike Tyson was in the ring at 60 not long ago. So when does the end really come? I still remember what Larry Holmes said: ‘Never leave, champ, never leave.’ Those legends came back and proved the story wasn’t over. George Foreman became world champion again at 45. Archie Moore was still fighting full 15-round bouts after 40. Boxing is a real drug for me.”
Fury made clear that his father wants what is best for him and genuinely hopes he will finally retire and move on from the sport for good. But Fury admitted that decision remains extremely difficult.
“My dad only wants the best for me. He wants me to finish and walk away. If it were that easy, I would’ve done it five attempts ago. But I can’t let boxing go. It affects a lot, including my family. My father says he’s not speaking to me anymore. I think he just wants to push me to stop fighting. But boxing is all I’ve ever known in life, and it looks like it’s all I ever will know,” Fury concluded.
Fury is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 in London.
