Tyson Luke Fury is a British professional boxer who has held multiple heavyweight world titles. These include the unified titles from 2015 to 2016, the Ring magazine title twice between 2015 and 2022, and the World Boxing Council (WBC) title from 2020 to 2024. He also held the International Boxing Organization (IBO) title during his first reign as champion.
Tyson Fury was born in August 1988. He comes from a family with a strong boxing background, with his father and other relatives involved in the sport.
Tyson Luke Fury was born prematurely in August 1988, weighing just 1 pound. His father named him after the then-reigning heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, believing that his son's survival demonstrated a fighter's spirit.
Tyson Fury's uncle and trainer, Peter Fury, was imprisoned in 1995 for his role in an amphetamine trafficking network. Despite his criminal background, Peter played a significant role in Tyson's boxing development.
In December 1997, Tyson Fury experienced the loss of his sister Ramona, who died shortly after birth. This event had a profound impact on him, shaping his perspective on life and resilience.
The Fury vs. Wilder II fight in February 2020 generated a gate of $16,916,440, breaking the Nevada gate record for a heavyweight bout previously held by Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis II in November 1999.
The Fury vs. Wilder I fight in December 2018 was the most lucrative heavyweight fight in the United States since 2003, generating around $24 million from pay-per-view sales.
Tyson Fury achieved success as an amateur boxer in 2006, winning a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships.
Tyson Fury competed in the senior national championships in 2006, showcasing his ambition and determination to progress in the sport, although he lost to David Price.
Tyson Fury won a bronze medal at the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in 2006, showcasing his talent and potential on the international stage.
Tyson Fury emerged victorious in the EU Junior Championship in May 2007, defeating Istvan Bernath in the final and adding another accomplishment to his amateur boxing career.
Tyson Fury secured a silver medal at the European Junior Championship in July 2007, losing to Maxim Babanin in the final but demonstrating his competitiveness at a high level.
Tyson Fury represented Ireland in international boxing matches in 2007, demonstrating his commitment to the sport and his dual heritage.
Tyson Fury excelled in the 2007 European Junior Championships, securing a gold medal at the EU Junior Championships and a silver medal at the European Junior Championships.
Tyson Fury made his professional boxing debut in December 2008 at the age of 20 in Nottingham. Fighting on the undercard of Carl Froch vs. Jean Pascal, Fury faced Hungarian fighter Bela Gyongyosi, who had a record of 3–9–2. Fury secured a decisive victory via TKO in the first round, ending the fight with a powerful combination to Gyongyosi's head and body. Over the following seven months, Fury participated in six more fights, showcasing his dominance by defeating opponents Marcel Zeller, Daniil Peretyatko, Lee Swaby, Matthew Ellis, Scott Belshaw, and Aleksandrs Selezens. Fury won all these fights by knockout, ending each within 4 rounds.
In 2008, Tyson Fury achieved a significant milestone by winning the ABA super-heavyweight title after defeating Damien Campbell with a score of 19:1. This victory marked a turning point in his career, as he decided to transition into professional boxing later that year. Driven by his disillusionment with amateur boxing and a desire to pursue greater opportunities, Fury chose not to wait for the 2012 Olympics.
Tyson Fury aimed to represent Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics but was not selected due to country restrictions and the selection of David Price. He also faced eligibility challenges in representing Ireland.
Tyson Fury and Paris Mullroy married in 2008 at St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Tyson Fury triumphed in the ABA super-heavyweight title in 2008, marking a significant achievement in his amateur boxing career. He also aspired to represent Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics but was not selected.
In September 2009, Tyson Fury faced John McDermott for the English heavyweight title. Despite being the 1-6 favorite, Fury's performance fell short of expectations. He won the fight by a points decision of 98-92, a result determined by referee Terry O'Connor. However, the decision sparked controversy and was widely criticized, with many deeming it a "travesty." The controversy surrounding this fight prompted the British Boxing Board of Control to implement significant changes. They mandated the inclusion of three judges for all future English title bouts to ensure fairer judging. Furthermore, the board ordered a rematch between Fury and McDermott to settle the dispute definitively.
In 2009, Martin Rogan, Tyson Fury's future opponent, last secured a victory over an opponent with a winning record.
In June 2010, Tyson Fury once again faced John McDermott in a rematch to definitively settle the controversy surrounding their previous encounter. Fury dominated the fight, knocking down McDermott three times - once in the 8th round and twice in the 9th round. This decisive performance secured Fury a TKO victory, solidifying his claim to the English heavyweight title for the second time. Fury continued to demonstrate his boxing prowess in subsequent fights. He achieved victories over American fighters Rich Power and Zack Page, winning both 8-round matches by points decisions. He also secured a knockout victory against Brazilian fighter Marcelo Luiz Nascimento in the 5th round.
Tyson Fury briefly trained at the renowned Kronk Gym in 2010.
In July 2011, Tyson Fury, at the age of 22, stepped into the ring with the undefeated Derek Chisora, who was 27 years old. Both fighters boasted an unblemished record of 14-0. The highly anticipated bout, held at Wembley Arena in London, was a contest for the prestigious British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. Despite Fury's height and reach advantage, Chisora was considered the favorite. After 12 intense rounds of boxing, Fury emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision with scores of 117-112, 117-112, and 118-111. The fight, broadcast live on free-to-air Channel 5, garnered significant attention, with promoter Mick Hennessy reporting peak viewership of around 3 million.
In September 2011, Tyson Fury engaged in a non-title bout against 32-year-old fringe contender Nicolai Firtha at the King's Hall in Belfast. Firtha, with a record of 20-8-1, accepted the fight on short notice, just two weeks prior to the event. Fury dominated the initial two rounds. However, in the third round, Firtha landed a significant punch that appeared to trouble Fury momentarily. Fury regained control of the fight by the fourth round, and in the fifth round, he forced the referee to stop the fight at 2 minutes and 19 seconds, securing another victory. The fight drew an average viewership of 1.03 million on Channel 5.
In 2011, Tyson Fury expressed his belief that he missed out on a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics due to being denied the chance to represent Ireland, highlighting the complexities and frustrations he faced in his early career.
Tyson Fury claimed both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles in 2011, establishing himself as a prominent boxer in the heavyweight division.
Tyson Fury's father, John, was imprisoned in 2011 for an assault. This event led to Tyson's training being taken over by his uncle Hughie.
In April 2012, Tyson Fury made a strategic decision to vacate his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles to pursue a future world title match. He explained that, for him, the Irish title held greater personal significance, as his family heritage was deeply rooted in Ireland. On April 14, 2012, Fury traveled to Belfast to compete for the vacant Irish heavyweight title at the Odyssey Arena. His opponent was seasoned veteran Martin Rogan, who had a record of 14-2. At 245+3⁄4 pounds, Fury fought at the lightest weight of his professional career, showcasing his commitment to the bout. Fury's dominance was evident throughout the fight. He knocked down Rogan with a powerful left hook in the third round and then again in round 5 with a body shot. Although Rogan managed to get back on his feet, the fight was stopped at the request of his corner, granting Fury a TKO victory and the Irish heavyweight title. The fight averaged an impressive 1.33 million viewers on Channel 5.
In November 2012, it was announced that Tyson Fury would face American world title contender Kevin Johnson, who held a record of 28-3-1, in a WBC title eliminator. The highly anticipated fight was scheduled for December 1 at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. Fury recognized Johnson as a formidable opponent and a necessary step in his pursuit of a world title opportunity. He emphasized the importance of facing a world-class fighter at this stage of his career.
Tyson Fury's reign as the Commonwealth heavyweight champion concluded in 2012.
In 2012, Tyson Fury, feeling disillusioned with amateur boxing, opted not to pursue a spot in the 2012 Olympics and instead continued to focus on his professional boxing career.
In September 2013, David Haye was scheduled to fight Tyson Fury, but pulled out due to a cut above his eye sustained during training.
In January 2014, Tyson Fury was scheduled to fight Gonzalo Omar Basile at the Copper Box Arena.
In February 2014, David Haye was again scheduled to fight Tyson Fury, but withdrew a second time, citing a career-threatening shoulder injury.
In July 2014, Derek Chisora was forced to withdraw from a rematch against Tyson Fury due to a fractured hand.
In November 2014, Tyson Fury won a rematch against Derek Chisora, dominating the fight until Chisora's corner stopped the fight in the 10th round.
In December 2014, it was announced that Tyson Fury would fight Christian Hammer.
In 2014, Tyson Fury experienced the loss of his uncle Hughie Fury, who had been his trainer. This loss led to Tyson's training being taken over by his other uncle, Peter Fury.
Tyson Fury added the European heavyweight title to his collection in 2014, further cementing his dominance in the division.
Paris Fury suffered a miscarriage prior to Fury's cancelled boxing match with Ustinov in 2014.
As part of the resolution of the doping charges, Tyson Fury's February 2015 win over Christian Hammer was disqualified. However, his victory against Wladimir Klitschko remained valid.
In February 2015, a sample was taken from Tyson and Hughie Fury that later, in June 2016, resulted in charges by UK Anti-Doping with the presence of nandrolone.
In February 2015, Tyson Fury won a fight against Christian Hammer, which was stopped in the 8th round via corner stoppage.
In July 2015, it was confirmed that Tyson Fury would fight Wladimir Klitschko for the world heavyweight title.
In September 2015, Tyson Fury expressed interest in running to be an independent MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, criticizing the government's focus on immigration over domestic issues.
In October 2015, the fight between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko was postponed due to Klitschko sustaining a calf injury.
In November 2015, the fight between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko was rescheduled.
In December 2015, the IBF stripped Tyson Fury of its title due to the rematch clause in his contract with Klitschko, preventing him from facing the IBF's mandatory challenger.
Tyson Fury's two-year period of ineligibility was backdated to December 13, 2015. This meant that his ban would expire in December 2017.
Tyson Fury reclaimed the British heavyweight title in 2015, showcasing his continued prowess in the ring.
In 2015, Tyson Fury's victory against Wladimir Klitschko was hailed as the Upset of the Year, and he was honored as Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine.
In 2015, Tyson Fury won the unified heavyweight titles and was recognized as Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine for his upset victory against Wladimir Klitschko.
In 2015, Tyson Fury was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award but faced backlash and a petition calling for his disqualification due to his controversial views on homosexuality. He ultimately finished fourth and apologized for any offense caused by his past remarks.
After becoming world champion in 2015, Tyson Fury faced media scrutiny and criticism for past controversial comments about his sister, abortion, homosexuality, and pedophilia.
In September 2015, Tyson Fury weighed in at 254.4 pounds for his fight against Otto Wallin. This was his lightest weight since facing Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, when he weighed 247 pounds.
In April 2016, Tyson Fury spoke about the racial abuse he faces as an Irish Traveller, stating that there is prejudice against his community.
In April 2016, the rematch between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko was announced.
In May 2016 Tyson Fury apologized for comments he made about transgender people and Jewish people in an interview. The interview was deleted, and Fury stated that he meant no harm or disrespect to anyone.
In June 2016, the rematch with Klitschko was postponed due to Fury sustaining a sprained ankle.
In June 2016, charges related to Tyson Fury's nandrolone findings were finally brought forward. This delay was a factor in the ultimate resolution of the case, with the backdated ban taking the delay into account.
In July 2016, the rematch with Klitschko was scheduled to take place in Fury's hometown of Manchester.
In October 2016, facing an anti-doping investigation and concerns about his mental health, Tyson Fury made the difficult decision to vacate his WBA, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. This move aimed to allow him space and time to focus on his recovery and personal well-being.
In October 2016, following Fury's public struggles and the anti-doping investigation, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) officially suspended his boxing license. This decision barred him from competing professionally and added another layer of complexity to his comeback efforts.
In October 2016, Tyson Fury revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone that he was battling severe depression and substance abuse issues. He spoke candidly about his struggles, admitting to heavy drinking and cocaine use as a way to cope with his inner turmoil.
In December 2016, despite facing significant challenges, Tyson Fury announced his intention to return to boxing in the spring of 2017. His uncle, Peter Fury, confirmed these plans, suggesting a potential fight against Deontay Wilder, the WBC champion at the time.
In 2016, Sefer Seferi, Tyson Fury's opponent in June 2018, lost his only heavyweight fight against Manuel Charr. Seferi was primarily a cruiserweight boxer.
Tyson Fury relinquished his unified heavyweight titles in 2016.
In March 2017, Tyson Fury took concrete steps toward his comeback by formally announcing a return fight scheduled for May 13, 2017. He also revealed his partnership with promoter Frank Warren, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.
In May 2017, Tyson Fury continued to express his determination for a comeback, targeting a return to the ring in May of that year. He even began discussions with promoter Frank Warren about potential opponents, signaling his seriousness about resuming his boxing career.
In May 2017, Tyson Fury's case regarding his suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) faced further delays as it was adjourned. This prolonged the uncertainty surrounding his return to boxing and highlighted the complex legal and procedural issues involved.
In September 2017, frustrated by the lack of progress in his anti-doping case, Tyson Fury publicly challenged UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) to provide a definitive resolution, either banning him or reinstating his boxing license. He expressed his belief that he was being treated unfairly, as the process had dragged on for over a year.
In November 2017, Tyson Fury was embroiled in a legal battle with UKAD over a doping violation. The case was financially straining for UKAD, potentially leading to insolvency. Despite the ongoing case, Fury announced his comeback to boxing, signing with MTK Global.
In November 2017, after his return to boxing, Tyson Fury expressed his desire to share his story of struggles with depression and mental health to inspire others. He became an ambassador for The Frank Bruno Foundation, a mental health charity.
In December 2017, a hearing was set for Tyson Fury's doping case, with a potential four-year ban looming. Fury ultimately did not attend the hearing. However, by mid-December, UKAD reached an agreement with Fury and the BBBofC, resulting in a backdated two-year ban that had already been effectively served.
On December 12, 2017, Tyson Fury's backdated two-year ban expired, allowing him to return to boxing. The settlement cleared him of being labeled a drug cheat, and the BBBofC agreed to consider renewing his boxing license.
In 2017, the fight between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, which also took place at Wembley Stadium, set a record for boxing attendance with 90,000 fans.
Tyson Fury began working with trainer Ben Davison in late 2017. Davison helped Fury lose a significant amount of weight and return to fighting condition after a period of inactivity.
In January 2018, the British Boxing Board of Control was set to consider renewing Tyson Fury's boxing license, paving the way for his official return to the sport.
In January 2018, Tyson Fury announced his intention to reapply for his boxing license through the British Boxing Board of Control. This marked a significant step towards his comeback after the doping ban.
In February 2018, after a period of inactivity and ongoing challenges, Tyson Fury was stripped of his remaining title, The Ring magazine's heavyweight championship. This marked a low point in his career, but also a turning point as he began his journey toward recovery and a return to boxing.
In February 2018, it was revealed that UKAD had spent over £585,000 on the Tyson Fury case, a significant sum attributed to legal fees and laboratory work. UKAD hoped to recover some of the costs through legal insurance.
In April 2018, Tyson Fury announced a multi-fight deal with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, solidifying his return to professional boxing. He aimed to fight at least three times before 2019.
In July 2018, Tyson Fury's fight against Francesco Pianeta was announced for August 18th. Simultaneously, negotiations for a fight between Fury and Deontay Wilder began, with the potential for the fight to take place in late 2018.
Tyson Fury last fought in the UK in August 2018, when he secured a victory against Francesco Pianeta.
By November 2018, the highly anticipated fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder was officially confirmed. The fight was scheduled to take place in either Las Vegas or New York and would be broadcast on pay-per-view.
In December 2018, Tyson Fury fought Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title. The highly anticipated bout ended in a controversial draw, with many believing Fury had done enough to win.
Tyson Fury's half-brother Tommy Fury made his professional boxing debut in December 2018 under the guidance of renowned trainer Ricky Hatton, extending the Fury family's boxing legacy.
Negotiations for a fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder were targeting a date in November or December 2018. This potential mega-fight was highly anticipated in the boxing world.
In 2018 an Irish High Court judge declared Daniel Kinahan, who had no prior criminal convictions, a senior figure in organized crime on a global scale.
The first fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder took place in December 2018, resulting in a controversial draw.
Tyson Fury's fight against Deontay Wilder in 2018 resulted in a draw and was recognized for its intensity, earning the Round of the Year accolade. Fury's performance also earned him the Comeback of the Year award from The Ring magazine.
Paris Fury lost another child on the day of Tyson Fury's comeback fight against Seferi in 2018.
Tyson Fury returned to the ring in June 2019, facing Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas. Fury dominated the fight, winning by TKO in the second round.
In September 2019, Penguin Random House imprint Century secured the publishing rights to Fury's autobiography, titled 'Behind the Mask: My Autobiography.'
On September 14, 2019, Tyson Fury fought Otto Wallin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Fury emerged victorious via unanimous decision.
In October 2019, Tyson Fury made several appearances in the WWE, including a match against Braun Strowman at WWE Crown Jewel on October 31st, where Fury won by countout.
Tyson Fury's autobiography, 'Behind the Mask: My Autobiography,' was released on November 14, 2019, and quickly became a bestseller.
In November 2019, Tyson Fury showed interest in competing in mixed martial arts, even training with Darren Till and mentioning a potential training offer from Conor McGregor.
In November 2019, ESPN announced that Tyson Fury would face Deontay Wilder in a rematch on February 22, 2020.
The rematch between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder was officially announced in December 2019, with the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas set as the venue.
Tyson Fury made a guest appearance as a vocalist on Robbie Williams' studio album 'The Christmas Present' in 2019, singing on the song 'Bad Sharon.'
Tyson Fury set a goal of fighting at least three times before 2019, demonstrating his commitment to re-establishing himself in the boxing world.
Following his victory against Otto Wallin in September 2019, Tyson Fury called out Deontay Wilder for a rematch in February 2020.
The highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder took place in February 2020. Fury dominated the fight, stopping Wilder in the seventh round to claim the WBC heavyweight title.
In June 2020 Tyson Fury publicly thanked Daniel Kinahan for his role in brokering a potential fight with Anthony Joshua. This sparked controversy due to Kinahan's alleged involvement in organized crime.
On June 11, 2020, Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn announced that Fury and Joshua had agreed to a two-fight deal on the condition that Fury defeat Wilder and Joshua defeat his mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev.
In July 2020, Deontay Wilder activated the rematch clause for a second fight against Tyson Fury following his loss in the first rematch. The trilogy fight was tentatively scheduled for July 2020 but was subsequently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In August 2020, Fury's promoter, Bob Arum, confirmed that the WBC had approved the trilogy contract for the Fury-Wilder rematch, which included provisions for postponements, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the possibility of fights without spectators.
In August 2020, Tyson Fury bought a gym and set up the Tyson Fury Foundation in Morecambe, aiming to provide opportunities for aspiring athletes in boxing, football, and rugby.
On October 12, 2020, Fury announced he would not be pursuing a trilogy fight with Wilder due to the organizers' failure to schedule the event in 2020. According to The Athletic, Fury was committed to fighting Wilder in 2020 and made compromises regarding rescheduled dates but was unwilling to let the situation drag on, delaying potential fights with Joshua and keeping him out of the ring for an extended period.
In 2020, Tyson Fury made history by becoming the third heavyweight, following Floyd Patterson and Muhammad Ali, to secure the Ring magazine title twice. He was widely acknowledged as the lineal heavyweight champion by media outlets, solidifying his place among boxing legends.
In 2020, Tyson Fury published his second book, 'The Furious Method,' a self-help book focused on physical and mental health improvement.
Tyson Fury secured the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title in 2020 and was widely regarded as the lineal heavyweight champion by media outlets.
On May 17, 2021, the proposed unification fight between Fury and Joshua faced uncertainty when arbitration judge Daniel Weinstein ruled that Fury must honor a contractual clause mandating a third fight with Wilder. Subsequently, Bob Arum revealed that the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas had been reserved for July 24 in anticipation of the Fury-Wilder trilogy fight.
On December 30, 2021, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, who had ordered Fury to defend his WBC title against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte, ruled that Fury, as the reigning champion, would be entitled to 80% of the purse, with Whyte receiving 20% as the challenger. Sulaiman set a January 11, 2022, deadline for purse bids due to the fighters' camps failing to agree on terms.
Tyson Fury's trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder in 2021 was a highly anticipated and thrilling encounter, earning the Fight of the Year award from The Ring magazine.
In January 2022, The deadline for the Fury-Whyte purse bids was pushed back several times due to ongoing negotiations by Fury's team, who were attempting to secure a fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship against undefeated WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. However, a fight between Fury and Usyk didn't materialize because Anthony Joshua, the deposed former champion, was unwilling to step aside and allow the two champions to fight.
On January 28, 2022, it was revealed that Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions had won the rights to promote the Fury-Whyte fight with a winning bid of $41,025,000 (£31 million), surpassing the $32,222,222 (£24 million) bid submitted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom, setting a new record for the highest successful purse bid in boxing history.
Tyson Fury launched a new line of energy drinks called Furocity Energy in February 2022, aiming to compete with major brands like Red Bull and Monster Energy.
Tyson Fury was photographed alongside Daniel Kinahan in Dubai in February 2022, despite the controversy surrounding Kinahan's alleged involvement in organized crime.
Tyson Fury was refused entry to the United States in June 2022, reportedly due to his association with Daniel Kinahan, who was subject to sanctions by the U.S. government.
On August 12, 2022, Tyson Fury announced his retirement from boxing and relinquished his Ring title.
On October 20, 2022, it was announced that Fury would be coming out of his short retirement to defend his WBC title against Derek Chisora in a trilogy bout scheduled for December 3 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The fight was to be broadcast live on BT Sport Box Office.
On November 11, 2022, Tyson Fury released a cover of 'Sweet Caroline' to raise funds for the men's mental health charity, Talk Club.
Tyson Fury won the Ring magazine title for the second time in 2022, solidifying his status as a top heavyweight boxer.
Tyson Fury signed a sponsorship deal with Morecambe FC for the 2022-23 League One season, with his Gypsy King brand appearing on the team's shorts.
A Netflix series about Tyson Fury and his family, titled 'At Home with the Furys,' was released on August 16, 2023.
In September 2023, Tyson Fury signed a contract to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
On October 28, 2023, Fury was scheduled to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking Ngannou's professional boxing debut. While recognized as an official bout by the WBC, Fury's title was not at stake in this ten-round fight.
Tyson Fury had a boxing match with Francis Ngannou in October 2023.
The fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, originally scheduled for December 2023, was initially postponed to February 2024 after Fury's fight with Ngannou. It was postponed again in February after Fury suffered a cut above his right eye during sparring.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fought on May 18, 2024. Fury lost the bout, marking his first professional boxing loss.
Tyson Fury's reign as the WBC heavyweight champion ended in 2024.