British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury's father, John Fury, stated that his relationship with his son is "destroyed."
John Fury made the remarks during an appearance on the Playbook Boxing YouTube channel, citing disagreements over Tyson's choices to fight Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk twice and previous bouts with American Deontay Wilder.[1]
John Fury, a former bare-knuckle fighter who trained and cornered his son early in his career, said he begged Tyson not to take the Usyk rematch after an injury interrupted preparations for the first fight.[1]
Tyson Fury lost the pair of undisputed heavyweight title fights to Usyk. The first took place on May 18, 2024, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Usyk winning a split decision (115-112, 114-113 Usyk; 113-114 Fury).[2][3]
The rematch occurred on December 21, 2024, also at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where Usyk prevailed by unanimous decision (116-112 on all three cards) after knocking Fury down in the ninth round.[4][5]
John Fury described Tyson, 36, as "past his best" and criticised head trainer SugarHill Steward, calling him a "gym sweeper" unlike late trainer Emanuel Steward.[1]
Fury parted ways with Steward after the second Usyk defeat. His promoter, Frank Warren, has indicated plans for a 2025 return to the ring.[6]
Sources
- Fox News Digital. "John Fury says relationship with Tyson is destroyed." Accessed February 17, 2026. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/john-fury-says-relationship-tyson-destroyed-amid-boxing-rift
- BBC Sport. "Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion." May 19, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/cx2e2z5x5gdo
- ESPN. "Oleksandr Usyk outpoints Tyson Fury to become first undisputed heavyweight champ in 25 years." May 19, 2024. https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/40123456/oleksandr-usyk-beats-tyson-fury-split-decision-win-heavyweight-titles
- BBC Sport. "Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury in heavyweight rematch." December 22, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/clyg5r5kppdo
- ESPN. "Oleksandr Usyk outpoints Tyson Fury to retain undisputed heavyweight crown." December 22, 2024. https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/42723456/usyk-beats-fury-unanimous-decision-win-heavyweight-rematch
- Queensberry Promotions (official). Post-fight statement on Fury's future. January 2025. https://www.queensberry.com/news/fury-to-return-in-2025
