Former British world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says he will refuse to “play a character” if he decides to make a return to the world of boxing.
In his first in depth interview in two years, Tyson “Gypsy King” Fury spoke with iFL TV to clear up all the controversy surrounding his status in boxing. One topic of conversation was in regards to current champ, Anthony Joshua. A bout between the two is speculated to occur in 2018 and Fury has openly expressed his feelings about the current IBF, WBA and IBO world heavyweight champion,
“This isn’t Muhammad Ali,” said Fury. “This is a man built-up believing in his own hype and a man who is going to come crashing down to earth very, very soon.”
An array of potential fights have been proposed since Joshua moved to 20-0, a record which boasts 20 knockouts after he forced a stoppage against Carlos Takam in Cardiff in October.
Fury said, “Where’s AJ going to go? Is he going to risk fighting Deontay Wilder and get knocked out – and losing 50 or 100 million against me? To make 10 or 20 million. It’s not worth it, it’s not beneficial. The cash cow is sat here today.
“The big fight is between me and him, so he can’t fight Wilder, because Wilder’s a dangerous fight, a dangerous fight for a lot less money,” Fury displayed to IFL TV.
“This is about money, so if he wants to make that money, I suggest he stay away from Wilder.”
Fury, 29, has signed an advisory deal with management firm MTK Global, which hopes to culminate on two years of inactivity. The wait comes as he expects to hear from UK Anti-doping in December regarding a failed test in June 2016, which is impeding his anticipated return. Fury openly admitted to using recreational drugs to help battle depression, which he was facing back in 2016.
The self-proclaimed “biggest star in world boxing” has built a reputation for controversial statements and news conferences, including his arrival for one press event dressed as Batman in the build-up to his Klistchko win, back in 2015. However, he has vowed that upon return, he will be in top shape.
“From 18 stone to 27. From a clean living man to drugs and alcohol and back to the heavyweight world champion again. I hope the legacy and story I leave behind will help others in the future of what to do and not to do,” exclaimed Fury.
Being undefeated in 25 fights, Fury also used the interview to express his thoughts surrounding a potential fight with fellow Brit Tony Bellew, a contest which he revealed would be his “toughest” option on his return, though he is open on the option or an impending world title fight.
Check out Tyson Fury’s extensive full interview with iFL TV above.