Tyson Fury announces retirement from boxing amid talk of Anthony Joshua fight in 2025 — 'It's been a blast'

Tyson Fury, former world heavyweight champion, has announced his retirement from boxing.

Fury last fought in December, losing a rematch with WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The 36-year-old Fury had previously proclaimed his retirement after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, but returned six months later.

Tyson Fury press conference after second Oleksandr Usyk defeat.

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The Briton has been heavyweight champion twice and has a record of 34 wins, two losses, and one draw.

"Hi everybody, I'm going to make this short and sweet," Fury said.

"I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing, it has been a blast, I've loved every single minute of it and I'm going to end with this; Dick Turpin wore a mask."

In 2015, the Briton stunned long-time world champion Wladimir Klitschko by winning the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles.

After more than two and a half years out from the ring to deal with mental health concerns, Fury returned in 2018 and became a two-time champion by defeating Deontay Wilder to win the WBC title in 2020.

Fury's retirement denies supporters the opportunity to watch his long-awaited fight with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua.

When speaking at the Ring Magazine awards on Saturday, Joshua said that a bout with Fury "has to happen this year".

Matchroom's Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, has questioned the credibility of Fury's decision, suggesting that if he was "looking for the right deal," he would likewise retire.

"If you haven't got a heart for it anymore and you don't want to compete anymore I think retirement is the best option," Hearn said to the outsiders.

"Obviously disappointing for British fight fans because we had the opportunity to build the biggest fight in boxing, but if that's the last we see of him, he's had a tremendous career - I doubt it [will be the last time we see him fighting].

"It's always best to come into retirement to make sure that someone has to pay you to come out of retirement, but if that's his lot then much respect to him and I wish him all the best."

Fury had an unblemished record of 34 victories and one draw before facing Ukraine's Usyk in the inaugural heavyweight undisputed bout of the four-belt era.

Usyk won the first meeting by split decision and followed up with a unanimous decision victory last month.

Frank Warren, Fury's promoter, informed BBC Radio 5 Live that he had not talked to Fury before his retirement announcement.

"I've said all along that there is no way I will be trying to in anyway influence him," Warren said.

"If that's what he wants to do, that's fantastic. He has done everything he can. He was easily the finest British heavyweight of his age. Two-time world champion; two tight contests versus Usyk. He has a lot of money, his wits about him, and a beautiful family. God bless him and enjoy.

"He's become a worldwide celebrity. If you look at some of his battles, there hasn't been a single one that wasn't entertaining. Very entertaining bouts. huge heart; he got back up from the floor after being knocked down by huge blows and went on to win the bout. He has been something remarkable."