Tyson Fury has been dealt with a major blow just weeks away from his long-awaited return to the ring.
The former unified world heavyweight champion is set to face Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov in a 12-round heavyweight bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday April 11.
Fury has been out of action since he suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Ukrainian great Oleksandr Usyk at the conclusion of their rematch for the WBC, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles in December 2024.
‘The Gypsy King’ announced his retirement from boxing just a couple of weeks later, but it did not come as a surprise when it was revealed that he would be making a return to action against Makhmudov next month.
As he prepares to make his return to action, Fury will be without one key team member in particular in news that has come as a shock to the boxing community just weeks before the fight is set to take place.
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Fury’s father John indicated that he would not be involved in his son’s showdown with Makhmudov despite being by his side for almost the entirety of his career to date.
“I don’t want Tyson’s money and I don’t need Tyson’s money. Whatever he’s got, good luck to him. But, don’t forget who built his story when he was a kid. He didn’t build it himself, did he? Me, his father … If you can’t show your father respect when it matters, then just carry on. I don’t need you.”
John Fury had always been at the forefront of his son’s career, but for the first time ever, ‘The Gypsy King’ will not have his father by his side, although it remains to be seen exactly what sort of impact this will have on the 37-year-old’s final push towards becoming a world heavyweight champion once again.
