Challenges Faced by Tyson Fury: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Tyson Fury faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Tyson Fury is a British professional boxer, renowned for holding multiple world heavyweight championships. He unified titles from 2015 to 2016, secured the Ring magazine title twice (2015-2022), and reigned as WBC champion from 2020 to 2024. His achievements also include holding the IBO title during his initial championship reign, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in boxing.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2006: Participated in the senior national championships in England

In 2006, Tyson Fury participated in the senior national championships in England, representing Jimmy Egan's Boxing Academy, but was beaten by David Price.

2008: Denied chance to represent Great Britain at the Olympics

In 2008, Tyson Fury did not get the chance to represent Great Britain at the Olympics because each country is restricted to one boxer per weight division and David Price was selected. He also unsuccessfully tried to qualify for Ireland.

2011: Fury speaks out about missing the 2008 Olympics

In 2011, Tyson Fury stated that he should have gone to the 2008 Olympic games and won a gold medal for Ireland, but he was denied the chance to do it.

2011: Father Jailed

In 2011, Tyson Fury's father, John Fury, who had been training him, was jailed.

2012: Decided not to wait for the 2012 Olympics

In 2012, Tyson Fury, feeling disillusioned with amateur boxing, decided not to wait for the Olympics.

September 2013: Haye pulls out of Fury fight

In September 2013, specifically on the 21st, David Haye withdrew from his scheduled fight against Tyson Fury, initially set for September 28, 2013, due to a cut above his eye sustained during training, requiring six stitches. The fight was postponed to February 2014.

February 2014: Haye withdraws again, Fury loses ranking

In February 2014, specifically on February 8th, David Haye withdrew a second time from the rescheduled fight with Tyson Fury, citing a career-threatening shoulder injury that required surgery. This withdrawal cost Fury his positions in the world rankings, including an IBF final eliminator bout.

July 2014: Chisora pulls out of Fury fight

In July 2014, specifically on July 21st, Derek Chisora withdrew from his scheduled rematch with Tyson Fury, set for July 26, 2014, due to a fractured hand sustained in training. Alexander Ustinov was lined up as a replacement but Fury pulled out after his uncle was taken ill.

2014: Miscarriage Before Ustinov Bout

In 2014, Paris Fury suffered a miscarriage before Tyson Fury's cancelled bout with Ustinov.

2014: Uncle Hughie Fury Dies

In 2014, Tyson Fury's uncle, Hughie Fury, who briefly trained him, died. Subsequently, his other uncle Peter Fury took over training responsibilities.

February 2015: Tyson Fury's win over Christian Hammer Disqualified

In February 2015, Tyson Fury's win over Christian Hammer was disqualified as part of the resolution of charges related to nandrolone findings.

February 2015: Fury's sample taken

In February 2015, a sample was taken from Tyson Fury that later, in June 2016, resulted in a charge by UK Anti-Doping for the presence of nandrolone.

October 2015: Fury vs Klitschko postponed

In October 2015, specifically on October 24th, the scheduled fight between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko was postponed due to a calf injury sustained by Klitschko.

December 2015: Fury stripped of IBF title

In December 2015, specifically on December 8th, the IBF stripped Tyson Fury of its title because the fight contract against Klitschko included a rematch clause, preventing Fury from facing the IBF's mandatory challenger, Vyacheslav Glazkov. Fury had held the IBF belt for only 10 days.

December 2015: Tyson Fury's Suspension Backdated

In December 2015, the UKAD backdated Tyson Fury's two-year period of ineligibility to December 13, 2015, due to delays in managing results related to nandrolone findings.

April 2016: Fury Speaks About Racial Abuse

In April 2016, Tyson Fury spoke about the racial abuse he receives as an Irish Traveller, stating that "no one wants to see a Gypsy do well".

April 2016: Klitschko rematch announced

In April 2016, specifically on April 8th, the rematch between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko was announced. Fury admitted to lacking motivation and gaining weight, reaching over 24 stone (330 lb or 150 kg).

June 2016: UKAD announced agreement with Furys and BBBoC

In June 2016, UKAD announced they had agreed with the Furys and the BBBoC to resolve charges against them regarding elevated nandrolone levels. The charges stemmed from findings that were not brought until June 2016. As a result, Tyson and Hughie Fury's two-year period of ineligibility was backdated.

June 2016: Fury charged with doping

In June 2016, specifically on June 24th, Tyson Fury and his cousin, Hughie Fury, were charged by UK Anti-Doping with the presence of nandrolone from a sample taken in February 2015.

July 2016: Fury vs Klitschko II postponed

In July 2016, specifically on July 9th, the rematch with Klitschko, scheduled to take place in Fury's hometown of Manchester at the Manchester Arena, was postponed due to Fury sustaining a sprained ankle in training.

October 2016: Fury's boxing license suspended

In October 2016, after Fury announced a comeback date, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) stated that Fury was still suspended and would not be fighting. Robert Smith confirmed that there had been no contact from Fury or his representatives since the ban started in October 2016.

October 2016: Fury vacates titles

In October 2016, specifically on October 12th, Tyson Fury vacated the WBA (Unified), WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, citing his inability to defend them due to ongoing investigations and health issues.

October 2016: Fury opens up about mental health struggles

In October 2016, specifically on October 4th, Tyson Fury disclosed his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts in an interview with Rolling Stone, admitting to alcohol and cocaine use.

May 2017: Fury's case adjourned by BBBofC

In May 2017, Robert Smith of the BBBofC stated that Tyson Fury's case was "complex" and had been adjourned.

September 2017: Fury challenges UKAD

In September 2017, Tyson Fury challenged UKAD to either ban him or reinstate his boxing licence. He felt he was being treated unfairly due to the length of time it was taking to reply.

November 2017: Anti-doping panel hearing due in December

In November 2017, BBC Sport reported that a National Anti-Doping Panel hearing was due to take place in December, involving the legal battle between Fury and UKAD.

November 2017: Fury Announces His Story

In November 2017, Tyson Fury stated he felt he had a story to tell, including his experiences with depression and mental health problems, hoping it would inspire others. He reflected on his journey from 18 stone to 27, and from a clean-living man to struggles with drugs and alcohol, and back to becoming a heavyweight world champion.

December 2017: Fury comeback announced after signing with MTK Global

In December 2017, specifically on December 11, a hearing start date was set, with a potential outcome being Fury facing a four-year ban. On November 25, Fury announced his comeback after signing with managerial group MTK Global.

February 2018: Fury stripped of The Ring title

In February 2018, specifically on February 1st, Tyson Fury was stripped of his last remaining title, The Ring magazine's heavyweight championship.

2018: Loss of Child on Comeback Fight Day

In 2018, Paris Fury lost another child on the day of Tyson Fury's comeback fight against Seferi.

July 2020: Fury-Wilder trilogy postponed due to COVID-19

After Deontay Wilder activated the clause for a second rematch fight with Tyson Fury, the trilogy fight was tentatively scheduled for July 2020, but this was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2020: Fury Foregoes Wilder Trilogy Fight

On October 12, 2020, Tyson Fury announced that he was foregoing a trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder after organizers failed to deliver a date for the event in 2020. Fury was unwilling to allow the situation to drag out, delaying a series of fights with Joshua and keeping him out of the ring for an extended period.

May 2021: Fury-Joshua fight thrown into doubt due to Wilder arbitration

In May 2021, an arbitration judge ruled that Tyson Fury had to honor a contractual clause mandating a third fight with Deontay Wilder, throwing the proposed unification fight with Anthony Joshua into doubt. Fury then announced he'd signed the contract for the Wilder trilogy fight during an ESPN broadcast.

January 2022: Deadline set for Fury-Whyte purse bids

In January 2022, a deadline was set for purse bids for the Fury-Whyte fight, but it was pushed back multiple times due to negotiations for a potential undisputed heavyweight championship fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

June 2022: Fury Denied Entry to the United States

In June 2022, Tyson Fury was reportedly refused entry to the United States due to his links with Daniel Kinahan, who is subject to sanctions by the U.S. government's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

October 2023: Fury-Usyk fight delayed after Ngannou bout

In October 2023, the Fury vs. Usyk fight was originally scheduled for December 23, but it was delayed to February 17, 2024, after Fury's bout with Francis Ngannou.