A champion’s road comes to an end, eventually. Many want to bow out at their peak after clashing with their most formidable adversary after a prolonged journey. But few do so. Tyson Fury has been granted the opportunity to do it in the undisputed heavyweight clash against Oleksandr Usyk. The WBC champion is in a state of flux as he prepares for the heavyweight battle of the 21st century. Will it be the fight that befittingly pulls curtains on his illustrious career, or will he unnecessarily drag his career to a miserable end?

‘The Gypsy King’ has flirted with the idea of retirement on multiple occasions, only to fall victim to the allure of the square circle. However, the incentive is no longer to face the best but to secure his future. It culminated in a fight against Francis Ngannou, which reportedly earned him upward of $50 million. The British champion is on his last hurrah and will face Usyk in February next year. Whatever happens in the boxing ring, after a night of exciting action, he should finally break the hard news to his fans.

Tyson Fury: Stacked resume worthy of history books and the fleeting interest in boxing

Currently, Tyson Fury stands at the top of the heavyweight hierarchy. The 35-year-old, at 34-0-1, has nothing left to prove to the boxing world. His career has been a remarkable tale of grit, perseverance, and comebacks. After slaying the likes of Deontay Wilder, Dillian Whyte, and Derek Chisora, he has lost interest in boxing.

“I have no interest in fighting those guys,” Fury specified to Sky Sports Boxing. Further, he clarified, “I didn’t come back this time for belts, I came back to secure my family, and I’ve done it. When I came back into boxing, I said I wanted to make as much money as possible.”

The British boxer has racked in millions and solidified his legacy as one of the best heavyweights to grace the ring. Therefore, when former champion Carl Froch sums up the Fury situation with “one eye on retirement”, he is not far removed from reality. Fury has spent his time punishing opponents in the ring, but a chunk of fat around him and his fitness struggles indicate what will come next.

The writing has been on the wall for a long time

Francis Ngannou knocked the undefeated British boxer down in their bout. Fury appeared sluggish and out of rhythm. Boxing fans and pundits didn’t see a champion fighting an MMA fighter making his boxing debut. What they saw was an out-of-shape boxer in his twilight days.

The Ngannou fight exposed Fury’s fading boxing prowess, which was laid bare in his fights against Wilder. His performance has been scrutinized for a while, and the signs are not encouraging. Meanwhile, he faces a fighter whose undefeated streak and boxing skills still seem unfettered.

Read More: Former World Champion Unaffected By John Fury’s Digs At Him For Slamming Tyson Fury’s Performance Against Francis Ngannou: “I Stick By That No Matter…”

While Usyk’s low-blow controversy against Daniel Dubois did dent his image, his KO win over him is a testament to his boxing prowess. The Ukrainian champion stands out as the enforcer of the heavyweight division, and it wasn’t long before two giants fought it out. However, beyond Usyk, no one exciting is left to ensure Fury hangs around a bit longer. 

The barren landscape after Oleksandr Usyk

You might throw the names of Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr., or even Filip Hrgovic, but none will make sure Fury puts off his retirement plans to throw punches one more time. While ‘AJ’ is the most prominent name on the list, he is tangled up with Wilder and has already blown his chance to meet Fury inside the ring.

“I cannot get him in the ring for any amount of money. I’ve offered him world title shots and extremely large amounts of money. But he ain’t going to make the fight,” Fury explained the Joshua situation.

Fury knows Joshua won’t accept a fight with him for money or titles. Picking apart an aging legend or a young, hot prospect will not add laurels to his caliber and repute. Maybe the time is ripe for Fury to play the retirement card for one last and final time next February.

What do you make of the possibility of Tyson Fury hanging around after the Oleksandr Usyk fight? Do you believe Fury should hang up his gloves next? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Father John Fury and Tommy Fury’s Honest reaction on Tyson Fury’s performance against Francis Ngannou