The secret behind Tyson Fury’s refusal to fight Anthony Joshua: No one expected it!

Tyson Fury has once again made headlines—but not for stepping back into the ring. Despite ongoing speculation, the self-proclaimed Gypsy King has confirmed that he remains retired from boxing, dashing hopes for a long-anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua (AJ).

The British boxing icon, known for his flamboyant personality and dramatic career swings, declared in a recent Instagram post that he has “nothing left to prove” after a punishing loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia. But fans and pundits alike are skeptical. After all, Tyson Fury has retired before—and come back stronger.

Tyson Fury Confirms Retirement Again

In a decisive statement via social media, Fury insisted:

“Why am I back? I am retired and will still retire. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone and there’s nothing I need to get.”

These words were meant to put an end to speculation, but instead they ignited a firestorm of debate. Many believe Fury’s retirement is temporary, especially with the boxing world still craving the once-in-a-generation showdown between him and Anthony Joshua.

The 35-year-old former WBC heavyweight champion reiterated his satisfaction with his career achievements. He described himself as “happy and satisfied” with all he has done in boxing. And indeed, Fury has accomplished much—remaining unbeaten for years, dethroning Wladimir Klitschko, drawing and then defeating Deontay Wilder, and becoming one of the sport’s most charismatic figures.

The Usyk Defeats: Turning Point or Temporary Setback?

Fury’s announcement follows back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion. These losses marked the first time Fury has tasted defeat in the professional ring and possibly forced him to reconsider his future.

In their rematch in Saudi Arabia, Fury looked slower and less agile than in previous years. Usyk’s movement, precision, and relentless tempo were too much, even for a man of Fury’s size and skill. While the matches were competitive, they were telling.

The losses not only cost Fury his undefeated record, but also the chance to be recognized as the undisputed champion—something that had eluded him throughout his career.

The Fans Still Want Fury vs. Joshua

Regardless of retirement talk, fans remain vocal: they want Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua.

The proposed super-fight between these two British giants has been in the works for years. Negotiations have taken place multiple times but always ended in frustration due to purse splits, broadcaster rights, timing conflicts, and mandatory obligations.

For British boxing, Fury vs Joshua would be more than a match—it would be a national event. Wembley Stadium could sell out in minutes. Pay-per-view numbers would likely break UK records. And the legacy of both fighters would hang in the balance.

Yet now, with Fury doubling down on his retirement, the window for that epic fight may be closing permanently.

A History of Retirements and Returns

This isn’t the first time Tyson Fury has announced his retirement. In fact, fans have come to expect it. Fury previously retired after defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. He returned three years later to launch a remarkable comeback, culminating in his trilogy against Deontay Wilder.

He’s flirted with retirement after each big fight, only to come roaring back with epic performances and unpredictable statements. That’s why so few people are convinced that this retirement is the final one.

As one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Fury retires every year. He’ll be back the minute someone mentions AJ’s name in an interview.”

Signs of a Possible Comeback?

Despite his firm tone on Instagram, Fury recently posted training footage of himself working out with SugarHill Steward, his longtime coach and one of the masterminds behind his resurgence in the heavyweight division.

In the video, Fury looks focused, throwing fast combinations, and moving with surprising speed for his 6’9” frame. The post didn’t include a caption announcing a fight, but its very existence raised eyebrows.

Could this be the beginning of another Fury comeback arc? Could the Fury vs Joshua dream fight finally come to life?

Anthony Joshua’s Career Resurgence

On the other side of the aisle, Anthony Joshua is enjoying a powerful resurgence. After suffering two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk himself, AJ has regrouped and rebuilt. Under new trainer Ben Davison, Joshua is showing improved movement, sharper combinations, and renewed confidence.

He recently scored dominant victories over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou, reminding fans and critics alike that he remains a major force in the heavyweight division.

Joshua’s trajectory is rising again, making a clash with Fury more appealing than ever.

• Both are former champions.

• Both have fought Usyk.

• Both are still active on social media.

• Both remain headline names around the world.

Everything is set. Except for one thing: Fury says he’s retired.

Will the Dream Die Without a Fight?

Boxing history is full of missed opportunities: Lennox Lewis vs Riddick Bowe, Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather (in their prime), and more.

The fear now is that Fury vs Joshua may become another “what-if” in boxing’s long list of fantasy fights.

While Fury seems at peace with his decision, the fans are not. They want closure. They want a definitive answer to the question:

“Who is the greatest heavyweight of this era—Fury or Joshua?”

And right now, there’s no answer. Only speculation.

How Retirement Affects Fury’s Legacy

Even with this exit, Tyson Fury’s legacy remains impressive. He transformed the heavyweight division in the 2010s and brought it back into the global spotlight.

• He conquered the long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko in Germany.

• He went toe-to-toe with Deontay Wilder three times, winning the trilogy emphatically.

• He remained a box-office star, capturing attention worldwide with his words and performances.

But a major question mark still looms over his career: What would have happened if he fought Anthony Joshua?

Without that fight, Fury’s career might always feel incomplete.

Joshua’s Legacy Also Hangs in the Balance

For Anthony Joshua, defeating Tyson Fury would offer the ultimate redemption. It would silence critics who claimed he couldn’t hang with the elite. It would reestablish him as the face of British boxing.

And most of all, it would cement his place in heavyweight history.

Without a fight against Fury, Joshua too may feel like there’s unfinished business.

Conclusion: Is This Really the End for Tyson Fury?

The boxing world has learned one thing about Tyson Fury: never say never.

His most recent declaration might seem final, but history suggests otherwise. Whether motivated by pride, challenge, money, or legacy, Fury has always found a reason to come back.

For now, the Gypsy King says he’s out. He’s retired. He’s done.

But with Anthony Joshua climbing, fans begging, and a legacy still missing one final chapter, the question remains:

Is Tyson Fury really done? Or is this just the calm before the storm?