Tyson Fury’s decision to once again step out of retirement may not shock the boxing world, but it has certainly created added interest in the heavyweight division.
The former lineal and unified champion has now retired five times between 2013 and 2025, with his absences ranging from a matter of months to several years. Each farewell, however, has followed the same familiar pattern: reflection, restlessness and, eventually, a return.
With the modern heavyweight ‘Four Kings’ of Oleksandr Usyk, Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder all glancing in the rear-view mirror at a new generation of contenders, Fury has chosen to come back for what he says is a simple reason — his love of the fight game.
One man who understands that pull better than most is Roy Jones Jr. The Hall of Famer, who famously ventured up to heavyweight to win the WBA title in 2003, recently spoke to Clubhouse Boxing and was asked whether Fury’s comeback was a positive move for the self-styled ‘Gypsy King.’
“I think it’s always a good thing for him because like I told him –– even before he got to be world champ –– I said look you dedicate yourself back to this sport you can become heavyweight champ of the world. You could beat all those guys out there. He did just that.”
Fury first reached the summit of the division in 2015, memorably dethroning long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko in Germany. He later cemented his status as a two-time champion by dismantling Deontay Wilder in seven rounds during their second meeting.
However, Usyk would halt Fury’s momentum in 2024, handing the Briton two defeats in the same year, the second coming just a month before his most recent retirement announcement.
Despite those losses, Jones believes Fury’s return is about more than titles or legacy.
“The reason I think it’s good for him is because boxing is our life. It’s hard to balance [life] after you get away from boxing because now you don’t have boxing no more. When he gets his mind on boxing his mind always seems to change and he changes his whole life around. I know that when he does boxing he’s doing good so I’m looking forward to it.”
Fury has fuelled speculation in recent weeks by posting training footage on social media, with the 37-year-old appearing motivated. While there is still no official confirmation of when — or against whom — he will return, one thing feels increasingly certain.
For better or worse, boxing has never quite been able to quit Tyson Fury — and he, it seems, can’t quit it either.
