Tyson Fury 'could walk away from boxing' after disappointing Oleksandr Usyk defeat - 'Don't be surprised'

Tyson Fury 'could walk away from boxing' after disappointing Oleksandr Usyk defeat - 'Don't be surprised'

WATCH NOW: Tyson Fury previews Oleksandr Usyk fight

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 19/05/2024

- 09:31

Updated: 19/05/2024

- 09:33

The Gypsy King has lost a professional boxing fight for the first time

Former boxing star Johnny Nelson thinks Tyson Fury could 'walk away' from the sport after his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.

Fury had gone into the bout hoping to reign supreme, having been undefeated during his career so far.


Yet the 35-year-old suffered defeat for the first time as a professional, with Usyk winning via split decision.

Fury has promised he'll be back in the ring in October for a second crack at Usyk, with the Briton eager to keep on fighting.

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury has been tipped to 'walk away' from boxing after losing to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night

GETTY

However, Nelson believes Fury could potentially quit boxing - with the Gypsy King braced for 'serious conversations' with his camp.

"Tyson’s team will have serious conversations after this to motivate him and get his mind back," he told Sky Sports.

“Don’t be surprised if Tyson walks away from this.

‘What else can he do? How can he improve from that? This defeat would have affected his head and his heart."

Fury has previously retired from boxing, only to be lured back to the sport.

After losing for the very first time, however, it'll be fascinating to see what he decides to do.

As for Usyk, the Ukrainian said he'd been planning this victory ever since 2008 - while also admitting he wants a 'break' and a 'rest' after the battle went the distance.

“Since 2008 I was planning for this. It was a big opportunity for me and my country, Slava Ukraine. It’s a great time and a great day. It’s not for my win,” Usyk said.

“It’s for my God, my supporters, my country, the Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian mother and father, children.

“I want to go to my home, I want to rest, a break, I want to eat, sleep, kiss my wife.”

Fury sustained serious damage to his nose during the clash.

Blood was seen pouring out, with the Gypsy King being caught in round one of the bout.

And Fury, speaking at his post-fight press conference, claimed Usyk was taken to hospital with a suspected broken jaw.

“We've just had a fight, as you can see with my face," he said.

"I'm pretty busted up and he's gone to hospital with a broken jaw and he's busted too.

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Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury is set for 'serious conversations' after his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia

REUTERS

“We punched the f*** out of each other for 12 rounds.

"So we're going to go home, eat some food, drink a few beers, spend some family time, walk my dog, go to the tip and me and Frank will talk about what's going to happen in the future.”

His promoter, Frank Warren, says the ball is firmly in Fury's court when it comes to a rematch with Usyk.

“It's his call, whatever Tyson wants to do it's up to him," he said.

“The clause in the contract says immediate rematch.”

Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk was emotional after beating Tyson Fury on points

REUTERS

Fury has now won 34 of his 36 career fights, with the Briton also previously drawing with Deontay Wilder in December 2018.

Usyk, the new undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, has won all 22 of his own career showdowns.

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