Flamboyant fighter Tyson Fury continues to flip flop on his retirement plans. Days after announcing his return to the ring, the 34-year-old performed an about-face, declaring that he wouldn’t ever return to boxing. It must exasperate his scheduled opponent- the winner of Anthony Joshua and Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch. The heavyweight still holds the WBC World Title in the category after defeating Deontay Wilder in their title rematch at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena in February 2020.

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The Gypsy King- perhaps alluding to his family’s Irish Travellers roots- has battled through depression, weight gain, recreational drug use and alcoholism to give his career a second wind. But after his artful knockout win over rival Briton Dillian Whyte in April, he had called time on his career. But soon after, he sought a return to the big stage, inspired partly by his wish to complete a legendary trilogy against Harare-born British boxer Derek Chisora. He even replaced his trainer SugarHill Steward for Isaac Lowe in preparation for the fight.

But clearly, it was a false dawn. Taking to Twitter and Instagram, he released a brief statement killing talk of his return for now.

“MASSIVE THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAD AN INPUT IN MY CAREER OVER THE YEARS & AFTER LONG HARD CONVERSATIONS IV FINALY DECIDED TO WALK AWAY & ON MY 34th BIRTHDAY I SAY Bon voyage. HEARS A FEW WHO MADE IS SPECIAL ALONG THE WAY,” he wrote in all caps on Twitter.

“SORRY IF I MISSED U THERES TO MANY TO NAME! MASSIVE SHOUTOUT TO @parisfury1 WHO HELPED ME MORE THAN ANYONE. & MOST OF ALL THANKYOU GOD SEE YOU ALL ON THE OTHER SIDE YOU BIG DOSSERS 2008-2022,” he signed off.

Also Read: Tyson Fury, the Boxing champ also known as ‘Gypsy King’

Choosing his birthday to re-confirm his retirement, the Wythenshawe-born boxer expressed his gratitude to a number of people, including promoter Frank Warren, his father John, trainers SugarHill Steward and Ben Davison, and wife Paris.