Tyson Fury has broken his silence on the true motivation behind his dramatic return to professional boxing, emphatically stating that financial gain is not the driving force.
The Gypsy King's Retirement U-Turn
The former two-time heavyweight world champion, known as the 'Gypsy King', initially announced his retirement from the sport in January 2025 following back-to-back defeats to his Ukrainian rival, Oleksandr Usyk. However, that retirement proved short-lived. In a stunning reversal in July 2025, the 37-year-old from Morecambe declared his intention to fight again in 2026.
Fury has since been intensifying his training camp in Thailand alongside current WBC bridgerweight titleholder Kevin Lerena. As speculation builds around his comeback fight, Fury has taken to social media to explain his decision.
"Born and Raised to Fight": Fury's Passion Explained
In a candid video posted on Instagram, reported by the Mirror, Fury dismissed any notion that he needs the money. "I have literally won everything from regional belts in England to super world titles... fighter of the year twice. Ring Magazine twice. WBC.... every one of them," he stated.
"For me, there is nothing else other than the fight game. I love this fight game. There is nothing in it for financial gain. I could have retired 10 years ago. I've made an absolute fortune."
The heavyweight star conceded that while he always wants a good deal, his primary motivation is an ingrained passion for combat. "It's mainly about the love of the fight game and the sport. I'm 37, I'm 38 this year, I am older than a motherf*****, but I love to fight. I have zero other interests... only fighting," Fury declared.
He concluded with a stark acknowledgment of the sport's dangers: "I was born and raised to fight My destiny lies within the fight game. And at the end of it all, I'll be punching like a motherf*****, and I'll probably be ending up in a wheelchair like the rest of them all... but it's the game I chose."
Fury's Comeback Targets: Usyk Trilogy and British Foes
Following his second loss to Usyk in December 2024, Fury is demanding a trilogy bout to settle the score. He has stipulated, however, that he wants the fight to take place on British soil, moving away from their previous encounters in Saudi Arabia.
In a recent social media post, Fury outlined a three-man hit list for his return. Alongside the desired third fight with Usyk, he has pinpointed potential clashes with British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Fabio Wardley.
The prospect of a long-awaited showdown with Joshua faces significant uncertainty. The British boxing legend was recently involved in a horrific car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. His promoter, Frank Warren, admitted that a fight with Fury may not happen until late 2026, if at all.
Speaking to The Mirror, Warren said, "Well, boxing will certainly be the last thing on his [Joshua's] mind, right now... I don't know the extent of his injuries, but it's also how mentally this will affect him." He added that tragedy can affect people differently, and a focused goal like boxing can sometimes aid recovery.
As Fury continues his training in Thailand, the boxing world awaits official confirmation of his first comeback opponent, with the fighter's own words making it clear that legacy, not money, is the ultimate prize.
