Boxing fans worldwide are on edge as speculation mounts over Tyson Fury's future in the sport. Johnny Nelson, a respected boxing analyst, has voiced concerns that Fury may withdraw from his highly anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk and retire from professional boxing.
Fury's First Professional Defeat
The Gypsy King faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Usyk in May, losing the undisputed heavyweight title by a split decision after a brutal ninth-round knockdown. Many expected Fury to bounce back, but recent events have cast doubt on his ability to step into the ring again.
Concerning Public Incident
Footage emerged online showing Fury being escorted out of a pub in Morecambe by security, looking visibly intoxicated. The 6ft 9in boxer was later seen stumbling and falling to his knees, even hitting his head on a lamppost. This incident has fueled rumors about his mental state and readiness for the December 21 rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mental Health Concerns
"He's a man, he's gone out for a drink. That's it. There's no law against getting drunk. He's not done anything wrong, he's just got p***ed," Nelson remarked initially. However, he quickly connected the incident to Fury's recent defeat: "I think for Tyson Fury, the realization of what's happened to him will kick in slowly but surely."
Nelson expressed doubts about Fury's mental readiness to face Usyk again. He suggested that the manner of the defeat has left Fury struggling to cope.
Potential Retirement
"I don't believe Tyson will fight Oleksandr Usyk next, or again. He could retire because of the manner of the defeat—he's struggling to deal with it," Nelson added. "As long as Usyk's around, he ain't gonna box. He can't get his head around it. I don't think he'll go through that again. He can smile and joke but it's a big deal."
Historical Context
This situation draws eerie parallels to Fury's past mental health struggles following his victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. Fury spiraled into depression, gained significant weight, and turned to alcohol and drugs before making a remarkable comeback by shedding 10 stone.
"That's exactly what it is. All these people around him trivializing it, they're not in his head. They're not the guys that took the beating. What does Tyson Fury need? He needs someone to listen to," Nelson concluded.
As the boxing community awaits Fury's next move, the looming question remains: Will Tyson Fury step into the ring to face Oleksandr Usyk again, or has the Gypsy King fought his last battle?
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
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