Tyson Fury stated his mental illness was back to 2016 levels earlier this year in a shocking admission.
In a heavy interview with BT Sport ahead of his return to action in less than three weeks, Fury admitted he is fighting for all the wrong reasons.
“The Gypsy King” is on the path bath to disaster whenever his boxing career stalls for a certain period.
That’s the stark view of the WBC heavyweight champion as he enters another phase of his tenure in the sport.
Fury fights against Derek Chisora for the third time on December 3. The fight occurred due to former champion Anthony Joshua pulling out of talks.
However, Fury says he had to box someone to stave off the demons that come for him when he doesn’t compete in the ring.
Tyson Fury boxing for no reason
“I’m boxing today for no reasons, no gains, no goals,” Fury told BT Sport. “It’s like I’m treading water.
“Until I meet someone who’s very hungry and is doing it because they need to put food in their kids’ stomach and pay their bills, that day will be a say day for me.
“My heart is not in boxing, but I have nothing else. Without boxing, I am nothing. Even though I’m a multi-millionaire and a family man, my passion and love affair have been with boxing since I was a child. I can’t let it go.
“I’m a very, very, very selfish person. I should have walked away in April when I said I would walk away.
“I’m back for more punishment. I’m an idiot, really, but what can we do?”
It comes days after Fury blew a gasket on a podcast with True Geordie.
Mental illness
“For the four months I was retired, I’ve never felt so back to 2016, 2015, 2017, ever before,” Fury added.
“I was back in that moment in time when life was very dull and dark. There was no way out for me again.
“I don’t think people realize the factors why I’m back boxing. I’m not back boxing for a belt, or some more money, to win another five fights, to unify the division, or whatever.
“I’m back boxing because of [my mental illness]. Without [boxing], it’s going downhill rapidly. I don’t know any other way of keeping it sane. I do not know how to quit.
“I’ll be like Roberto Duran, fighting at 59 years old. I don’t know anything else. Now I know why all the greats get hurt. They’ll never let it go.”
What Fury said is highly concerning. The worst-case scenario may see one of the greatest British fighters of all time permanently injured if his head is not right going into big-hitting bouts.
The views expressed in this article are the opinions of Phil Jay. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN. Phil Jay has over twelve years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
