Tyson Fury Retires, Former World Champ And Others React With Disbelief

One of the greatest heavyweights of the past 25 years has retired—at least for now. Tyson Fury took to social media on Monday morning to announce his retirement from boxing.

The video was “short and sweet,” as the Gypsy King put it. "I'm going to make this short and sweet. I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing," Fury said.

"It's been a blast. I've loved every single minute of it, and I'm going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side."

Several publications clipped the video from Fury’s Instagram page. Here is one example from Everything Boxing.

Fury has retired before—three times, to be exact: once in 2013, again in 2017, and in 2022—only to return to the sport. That’s part of the reason why some aren’t totally convinced the 36-year-old all-time great is really done fighting.

Who are you 5 greatest heavyweights in history? Leave it in the comments.

Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren Reacts to Tyson Fury’s Retirement

After the announcement, several prominent figures reacted. Fury’s legendary promoter, Frank Warren, seemed to take the announcement in stride.

“God bless him,” Warren said to Boxing on TNT. “If that's what he wants to do, that's what he should do. He's made a lot of money, he's had a fantastic career—probably joint best heavyweight of this century. He's been in some magnificent fights. I've loved every minute of it, and I hope all the fans have as well. He's been brilliant for British and world boxing, and I wish him a lovely retirement and to enjoy his life.”

Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn Reacts to Tyson Fury’s Retirement

One of Warren’s rival promoters, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, wasn’t sure Fury is really done. Hearn said, “If I was looking for the right deal, I’d go into retirement too.”

Hearn’s top fighter, Anthony Joshua, has been open about his desire to fight Fury in a long-awaited battle of the two biggest names in British boxing. Hearn is suggesting Fury’s retirement is merely a ploy to draw out the best offer to face Joshua sometime in 2025.

Timothy Bradley Reacts to Tyson Fury’s Retirement

I spoke to former world champion Timothy Bradley via text. Like Hearn, Bradley doesn’t believe Fury’s retirement is sincere.

“I think his retirement was too subtle and lacked substance,” Bradley said via text. “Fury has flirted with retirement before, but this time, it’s even odder, especially when reports say a vast Joshua fight is in the chamber for some time late this year. One of the last things Fury noted in his retirement speech was, ‘Dick Turpin wore a mask.’ What does this mean? I would say I smell fish and am miles away from a fish market. Something is up, and Fury is sending a message. Only time will soon bring out the truth. He will be back!”

The Turpin reference struck a chord with everyone. Turpin was a horse thief who became a folk legend many years after his execution in 1739. Fury’s reference seems to indicate he believes someone is trying to rob him without discretion.

It’s believed he is referring to the offer he received to fight Joshua later this year. If this is the case, it is a good bet Fury will be back like he never left, and the long-awaited clash with Joshua will still take place.

Stay tuned.