By Tim Parsons-
Former WBO, WBA, IBF, IBO heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (25-0, 18 KOs) has said he won’t be forced into tough fights against to top class opponents.
Fury had once said he would happily face Anthony Joshua in his first fight back, but in a remarkable turnaround, the unbeaten boxer wants to take his time before facing any hard opponents.
Speaking to The Telegraph: “I’m inspired to get back. I always thought I’d be able to fight again. It was devastating mentally,” Fury told to The Telegraph.
“I felt like I’d reached my Everest when I beat Wladimir Klitschko to claim the world title, but now I’m motivated again. I won’t be forced into fighting these elite, hard guys until I’m fully fit.
“I’m not a silly man. I won’t be rushed back, because one punch can change everything in a heavyweight fight.”
Fury reached an agreement with UK Anti-Doping to settle an ongoing dispute, after the drug testing agency claimed the unbeaten boxer had tested positive for a banned substance in early 2015.
Fury has been out of the ring since November of 2015 when he shocked the boxing world in a twelve round decision over Wladimir Klitschko to capture the heavyweight crown. He thereafter pulled out of a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, claiming mental illness. His withdrawal also coincided with his refusal to take a drug test ordered by UKAD. Next month, Fury is expected to reclaim his boxing license, when the British Board of Control holds a meeting on the matter.
Fury’s license was revoked last year after he admitted abusing recreational drugs and alcohol. The boxer was also battling depression.
Now Fury is back in training, losing weight, and looks forward to fresh start in 2018. The gypsy former world champion has been involved in a long spat with two belt champion, Anthony Joshua, but has now said he will not be rushed into any hard fights. The controversial boxer has over two then two years of ring rust to shake off. It’s not likely that he’ll jump at promoter Eddie Hearn’s recent suggestion to make his ring return against the durable contender and WBC mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte.
“I’m inspired to get back. I always thought I’d be able to fight again. It was devastating mentally,” Fury told to The Telegraph.
“I felt like I’d reached my Everest when I beat Wladimir Klitschko to claim the world title, but now I’m motivated again. I won’t be forced into fighting these elite, hard guys until I’m fully fit.
“I’m not a silly man. I won’t be rushed back, because one punch can change everything in a heavyweight fight.”