Tyson Fury has once again announced his retirement from boxing, despite only revealing plans to return to the ring four days ago.
The Gypsy King has wavered about his retirement, which he first announced after his stunning KO victory over British rival Dillian Whyte in April.
It was only on Monday that Fury publicly announced his intention to return when he called out fellow heavyweight Derek Chisora and later stated his longtime friend Isaac Lowe would replace SugarHill Steward as his new trainer.
Tyson Fury has once again announced his decision to retire from boxing on his 34th birthday
Fury first announced his decision to retire after emphatically stopping Dillian Whyte (left) in April
Fury also publicly called out strongman Hafthor Bjornsson ahead of a scheduled exhibition bout on Thursday, after he flew to Iceland to confront the 33-year-old in person – only to end up in the pub after finding out he was in one other country was.
The Brit made a sudden about-face on his 34th birthday but now reveals he will never return to the ring.
“A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to my career over the years and after long hard discussions I have finally decided to walk away and on my 34th birthday bon voyage,” he posted on his social media platforms.
Fury also thanked a number of people close to him for their help throughout his career, including promoter Frank Warren, his father John, trainers SugarHill Steward and Ben Davison and his wife Paris.
The Gypsy King – who have both claimed it would cost £500million to return and that he wants to fight Anthony Joshua for free – made no mention of the WBC belt he still holds, with President Mauricio Sulaiman having previously insisted the World champions would be given ample time for an official decision.
Fury revealed his latest update on social media as he thanked a number of people close to him
It comes after promoter Frank Warren (right) insisted Fury is itching to return to the ring
Fury’s announcement, which drew heavy scrutiny on social media, also comes just days after Warren insisted his fighter has “foot spasm” and is likely to return to the ring soon.
Warren admitted the outcome of the much-anticipated rematch between Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk on August 20 would influence his decision, with Fury next widely expected to face the winner in a historic undisputed showdown.
“I think what’s going to happen is see what happens on the 20th [August] and the outcome of that, and that will dictate what he intends to do going forward,” Warren told talkSPORT.
“My opinion – that’s not his, it’s mine: I think he will do it [return], because he is a fighter and misses that. That’s what he does, he wants to fight.’
Warren insists Fury is awaiting the result of the rematch between Anthony Joshua (right) and Oleksandr Usyk (left) on August 20
Fury, who made his debut in 2008, has had memorable victories over Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder, with his record currently standing at 32 wins, one draw and no defeats.
However, the champion has been criticized over the years for the lack of elite names on his résumé and failing in an undisputed showdown against either Joshua or Usyk would not help his case.
Few believed Fury’s initial retirement claim and few will believe his latest update, as US promoter Bob Arum insisted earlier this week that the Gypsy King should not be taken seriously.
“The truth is, he gets up in the morning and thinks about the best way to stir up shit, and he does,” Arum told Fight Freaks Unite.
“You think of Isaac [Lowe] is it serious? Of course not, for heaven’s sake. [Fury] just fun. It’s his idea of fun. He’s getting a little nervous, like all of us, because we’re waiting.
“If Usyk wins there is a way because then everyone is close and friendly and if Joshua wins then we have to deal with (Joshua promoter) Eddie [Hearn] and all that stuff.’