Tommy Fury has revealed he went down a 'bad path' as he prepares to return to boxing tonight.
The 26-year-old former Love Island star has described his comeback as meaning "everything" following an 18-month layoff.
Fury, younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has endured a challenging period away from the sport.
His last appearance saw him secure a decision victory over KSI, after which he faced significant personal and physical challenges.
Tommy Fury reveals 'bad path' he went down before his fight
PA Images
"It means everything," Fury said about his return to fighting. "It's like, you know, a footballer who can't play football. It's everything. It's his life. It's what makes him tick."
The bout represents more than just another fight for Fury, who has battled through recovery from hand surgery and personal struggles during his time away.
During his time away from boxing, Fury underwent surgery for a long-standing hand injury that severely limited his daily activities.
"I couldn't even take a shower properly because I couldn't get the thing on my hand wet for the first six months," he revealed.
The fighter also experienced relationship turbulence, splitting from partner Molly-Mae Hague before later reuniting with her.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Fury has now disclosed a previously private battle with alcohol addiction during his recovery period.
He described falling into "a dark period" after the adrenaline highs of his high-profile fights against Jake Paul and KSI gave way to the frustrations of injury rehabilitation.
"That's when you end up going down a bit of a bad path and struggle to turn around," Fury admitted.
Tommy Fury took part in Soccer Aid in 2023 and 2024
PA Images
The combination of physical limitations and mental challenges created what he called a spiral from "that high to such a low."
Fury's mental health suffered significantly during his enforced absence from the sport he loves.
"I think if I hadn't had the two massive fights that I did before the injury, things might have been a little bit different," he explained.
The contrast between the excitement of major bouts and the isolation of recovery proved particularly challenging.
"But going from that high to such a low, just being in bed and not being able to do anything," Fury said, describing the difficult transition.
He now views those struggles as part of his past, focusing instead on his return to the ring.
"I just look at all that as a distant memory now. Friday night is the start of that new chapter," Fury stated.
JUST IN: Gary Lineker fires parting shot at BBC ahead of Match of the Day exit
The fighter appears determined to use this comeback bout as a turning point after his personal difficulties.
Fury's return to the ring comes with a significant change as he moves up to the heavyweight division.
The fighter revealed he had struggled severely with weight cuts in previous bouts, particularly against KSI.
"That KSI fight absolutely drained me to make the weight," Fury explained.
"I think in eight weeks, I had to lose like, 60 pounds. So it absolutely killed me to get down to that weight."
His new heavyweight frame has drawn attention, with Fury sharing photos of his bulked-up physique on social media.
Despite concerns from some observers, he insists the added muscle won't hinder his performance.
READ MORE: Luke Littler, 18, mocks darts fans after being booed during Leeds Premier League action
Tommy Fury hasn't fought in over 18 months
PA Images
"Ever since I was young, even boxing the amateurs, I was always that kid who had a lot of muscle. Everyone was always shocked but it didn't slow me down," he said.
"The muscle don't weigh me down, and it's not that stiff muscle – it's explosive muscle."
Fury is optimistic about his boxing future, particularly with his hand now fully repaired.
"I feel like now that my hand's been fixed I will be better than ever. I've had the big operation, I've trained with it since, and it's holding up well," he said.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The move to heavyweight has also improved his training regimen and overall wellbeing.
"I'm feeling good for my sessions. I'm not going hours without any water or not eating after sessions. There's none of that happening," Fury explained.
He insists his conditioning remains excellent despite the added weight.
"I'm sparring 10 rounds easy with fresh men in and out. I am breezing through these guys. Physically I am in great shape," he added.
After six months training at his new weight, Fury feels prepared for his comeback.
"I'm more than ready to jump in there and dance around the ring with this weight on."
