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Although experiencing a disappointing loss to Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight championship, TYSON Fury has told his close associates that “it’s not the end.”
The Gypsy King arrived back in the UK yesterday, expressing his dissatisfaction with the judges’ decision in Saudi Arabia, which has prompted speculation regarding his retirement.
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At this point, he is eager to enjoy a festive “blowout” with his family as discussions about a potential £250 million face-off with competitor Anthony Joshua begin.
Fury cautioned fans that they may not witness him back in the ring again following the contentious judges’ verdict that handed the victory to the Ukrainian boxer on Saturday night.
The seven-time father returned to Manchester by private jet yesterday afternoon for a long-awaited reunion with his family after dedicating the past three months to training.
His promoter, Frank Warren, noted that Fury intends to celebrate a traditional Christmas at his residence in Lancashire before making any future decisions.
Nevertheless, sources informed The Sun that the previous world champion has expressed to friends: “It’s not the end.”
A blockbuster £250 million Battle of Britain with AJ is already being discussed for the following year, with Wembley Stadium being proposed as a prime venue.
Post-fight, AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn highlighted that this matchup must finally materialize, as it has been awaited for years.
He stated, “There’s only one fight for Tyson Fury: Anthony Joshua. This could potentially become the largest fight in the history of British boxing.
“Everyone is eager to see it. For me, AJ against Fury is the marquee fight; it absolutely needs to happen at Wembley. It would be a significant global event.”
Warren agreed, describing the match as “brilliant.”
He commented, “This is exactly what the fans are craving. The Fury/Joshua bout is phenomenal, and if it goes ahead, it will be monumental. However, it depends on whether Tyson is willing to participate, and that’s a huge ‘if.’ If he decides against it, that’s completely acceptable.”
Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematch
The seasoned promoter remains optimistic, asserting, “Look, Tyson is a fighter at heart; that’s what drives him and gives him purpose.”
This fight could generate approximately £250 million via ticket sales and pay-per-view subscriptions.
Boxing insiders predict that both fighters could earn upwards of £100 million each.
Fury, aged 36, has an estimated net worth of £110 million, while Joshua, at 35, has a fortune exceeding £100 million.
Hearn is working towards finalizing a two-fight agreement that would involve locations in London and Riyadh.
The two boxers had initially planned a match in Saudi Arabia back in 2021.
However, a judge ruled that American boxer Deontay Wilder could exercise his option to fight the Gypsy King first.
Joshua recently faced a knockout loss against fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in September.
Dubois, who is currently the IBF world titleholder, faced backlash for his confrontation with Usyk in the ring following the match on Saturday.
He grabbed a microphone and declared, “I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen, Frank!” Usyk expressed openness to a rematch but mentioned he wanted to go home and rest first.
This incident unfolded after Fury left the venue in anger when all three judges declared Usyk the winner.
Fury found solace with his wife Paris, whom he had not spoken to during his three months of intense training.
He remarked, “What lies ahead for me? I’m going home for some relaxation.”
When asked if fans could expect to see him fighting again, he responded, “Maybe, maybe not. Who really knows? We’ll talk about that in the coming year.”
He had previously indicated his intent to enjoy “plenty of eggnog and mince pies, turkey, and all that” this Christmas.
Warren commended Fury, acknowledging the struggles he has encountered with mental health challenges.
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Fury expressed, “It’s how it ought to be. He wishes to have a traditional Christmas with his family after three months of training without talking to them.”
“He has been determined to win this fight. Personally, I believe he should not make any decisions or discuss boxing until he feels ready. If he wanted to fight again tomorrow, I would be supportive. If he opted to retire, I would support that too.”
He asserted that regardless of his future decisions, Fury’s legacy is already established.
Warren emphasized, “He’s a two-time world champion and has been part of many epic battles in the heavyweight division. Considering his journey, advocacy for mental health, and personal struggles, he has achieved so much. He is also a genuinely decent person.”
“He deserves this break to recharge and then decide what he wants to do next, including the potential of a Joshua fight.”
Fury, who lost the initial fight to Usyk by split decision in May, celebrated prematurely after a thrilling 12 rounds in Riyadh last Saturday.
However, he was left stunned when all three judges scored the bout 116 to 112 in favor of Usyk.
Fury later remarked that the judges had given Usyk a “Christmas gift.”
He stated, “I firmly believe I won the fight. We cannot dwell on it.”
“We felt a bit of Christmas spirit in the ring, and I think he received a little Christmas gift from those judges.”
“It is what it is; I won’t cry over spilled milk. Boxing is my life, and while the judges’ decision cannot be reversed, it’s reasonable to feel wronged, not just a little, but a lot.”
“When you fail to achieve a knockout, results like this are to be expected. He didn’t hurt me in that match; I only have a few minor bruises that will heal shortly. I’m fine. But it is what it is; I know what transpired, and I’m heading home. There’s little more to discuss.”
Meanwhile, Warren expressed disbelief at the judges’ scorecards: “How could Tyson only win four rounds? It’s inconceivable. It’s absurd! I am left speechless; I simply don’t comprehend it.”
He added, “Tyson is heartbroken. In my view, he won that fight. I may be biased, but I am not blind.”
An AI judge also ruled that Usyk was the winner, scoring the bout 118 to 112.
However, Fury was unimpressed, stating, “Forget the machines; let’s keep humans involved. More jobs for people, fewer for robots. And let’s dismiss electric vehicles while we’re at it.”
Among the VIP guests at the Kingdom Arena were actor Jason Statham and his model partner Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, along with snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan.
British champion Lennox Lewis sat next to fellow former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, while former featherweight champion Naseem Hamed was also in attendance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Usyk’s victory, stating it showcased the nation’s strength: “Victory! So vital and so needed for all of us right now.”
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