Tyson Fury fans, don’t panic. As it turns out, the reigning /WBA/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion (25-0, 18 KOs) isn’t planning to retire. Fury dethroned longtime heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko in October 2015, but the former recently talked about retiring after the July 9 rematch with the former champion.
According to his uncle and trainer Peter Fury, Tyson will continue his career past the highly anticipated second meeting with Klitschko.
Tyson originally stated he was walking away from the sport after the fight with Klitschko, no matter if he won, lost or drew with the Ukrainian.
According to Peter, his nephew has been frustrated with a lack of support from fans in the UK. However, instead of retiring, the 27-year-old from Wythenshawe, United Kingdom is more likely to move to the United States.
“I’ve been speaking to him at length, and because of the poor reception he’s had in his own country, he has contemplated retirement,” Peter Fury told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast. “He’s thought, ‘what’s the point? What am I fighting for?’ It’s a sad state of affairs. Tyson is a genuine fighting man. He loves to fight, he loves to box. And if he’s not going to be accredited by his home country, he’s thinking about moving out altogether.”
Moving to the United States now might be a strong career move for Fury, even aside from the apparent issues concerning a perceived lack of appreciation.
The American heavyweight scene is looking as strong as it has in years. WBC champion Deontay Wilder and Fury have already established a heated rivalry. Those two could easily headline a pay-per-view event in Las Vegas. Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is an up-and-coming heavyweight prospect as well.
IBF champion Anthony Joshua is from London, but his immense marketability makes him a natural for an American audience at some point in his career. It’ll be interesting to see what Fury’s next step will be from a location standpoint.
That said, it would probably be smart for him to concentrate on his next opponent. Klitschko, while advanced in age at 40, is still a dangerous foe with years of success and experience under his belt.
The rematch could prove to be more difficult than the initial bout.
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
