Fury has called time on his career before, in April 2022 after his win over Dillian Whyte. However, the Brit returned to action in December that year.

“I’m going to make this short and sweet, I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing,” Fury said in a video posted on Monday.

“It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it and I’m going to end with this. Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.”

Tyson Fury has just announced his retirement from boxing

: @Tyson_Fury pic.twitter.com/AOiDJYA17V

— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) January 13, 2025

He also retired in 2013 and 2017 in social media posts, with both statements proving to be short-lived.

Fury was beaten for a second time by Oleksandr Usyk in December as he looked to regain his heavyweight world championship belts.

A long-touted fight with Anthony Joshua had been rumoured for this year with both fighters in the latter stages of their respective careers.

A super-fight between two generational stars of British boxing has been mooted for several years but always stalled during negotiations.

Joshua, 34, challenges Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and Fury, 36, takes on Oleksandr Usyk – who holds the three other recognised world titles – in December’s rematch.

“I do think AJ-Fury will happen regardless of whether Fury wins or not, but the size of the fight depends on their next two results,” Hearn told BBC Sport.

In June, Joshua urged Fury to fight him while both boxers are still “fresh” but said he will not “sit around and wait” for his fellow British heavyweight.

Asked whether there is a deadline of next year, Matchroom’s Hearn replied: “Yes, definitely.”

With substantial investment into boxing from Saudi Arabia, there is new hope the bout will finally materialise.

“If AJ beats Dubois and Fury beats Usyk, you’ve got the biggest fight in the history of the sport ever. If one loses and the other wins, it’s still a monster fight,” Hearn added.

‘There will never be another AJ’

Joshua broke down in tears after a second consecutive defeat by Usyk in 2022, but worked himself back into a world-title mandatory challenger position with a four-fight winning streak.

If he beats Dubois he will emulate greats Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko and Evander Holyfield by becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.

“The magnitude of the achievement will be something incredible if he can pull it off,” Hearn said.

“We’re two wins away from undisputed and one win away from getting a fight to be undisputed. I truly believe he will still do it.”

Joshua must first come overcome Dubois in front of a British post-war record of 96,000 fans, which will top the 94,000 set by Fury v Dillian Whyte in 2022.

After Saturday’s event, around 480,000 spectators will have watched Joshua headline in six UK stadium fights.

“People always ask me where the next AJ is coming from. You have to understand, this person is a one-off and there will never be another one,” added Hearn.

“Whatever you think of his boxing ability, in terms of how he has transcended the sport, changed boxing by opening up stadium fights as part of the norm, it will never be repeated.

Headlining stadiums are ‘bread and butter’ for Joshua

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Joshua became world champion in 2016. He lost the title to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 before winning the rematch just six months later.

Dubois, 27, will make a first defence of the title he won after he was upgraded from interim to full world champion when Usyk vacated the IBF belt.

Although Dubois challenged Usyk in front of 40,000 fans in Poland last year, Hearn feels it “takes a specific kind of individual” to handle the pressure of topping a Wembley Stadium bill.

“The media attention and frenzy, all the moments before the bell on fight night – you’ve got to hold your nerve when you walk through that tunnel in front of 96,000 people,” said Hearn.

“For AJ this is bread and butter. He’s been there before and done it but he’s got the hunger and the desire.

“Forget the money in the bank, he badly wants to become world champion again.”

Usyk, 37, won the bout by split decision in Saudi Arabia to become boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

Fury disputed the result in the immediate aftermath and maintains the belief that he did enough to get his arm raised.

“I’ve watched the fight back lots and still got the same answer – I thought I won,” Fury said on his YouTube channel, external.

“Usyk knows he didn’t beat me. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it’d be.

“My problem was I probably had too much fun. It was too easy. It was like I was in there with a local amateur boxer.

“I was enjoying it too much, messing around and paid the ultimate price in round nine.”

Ukraine’s Usyk is undefeated in 22 professional fights, won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and was the undisputed champion at cruiserweight.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

A rematch between former WBC champion Fury, 35, and Usyk has been scheduled for 21 December and the Englishman says he is already “back in the gym” preparing.

“I’ve got to get him out of there because I’m not gonna get a decision,” Fury said.

“It’s unfortunate because it’s hard enough to win a fight just by winning it, never mind knowing you’ve got to knock someone out.

“I’m confident and looking forward to the challenge. I hear he’s got a broken jaw and a broken eye socket, so get yourself well and I’ll see you in December.”

There are doubts over whether the undisputed title will be on the line again, with sanctioning body the IBF considering stripping Usyk of the belt as he will not be making a mandatory defence next.

Usyk has requested an “exception” to keep hold of the belt for the rematch.

Usyk beat Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era on 18 May.

A rematch was said to be in the works for October but Turki Alalshikh says the date has been pushed back to December.

“The world will watch another historical fight again,” Alashikh added on X.

“Our commitment to boxing fans continues. We hope you enjoy it.”

Usyk, the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, added Fury’s WBC belt to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection when they fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

The 37-year-old Ukrainian has won all 22 of his professional fights.

Alashikh did not name a venue or destination for the rematch but stated it would take place “during Riyadh Season”.

Riyadh Season is an entertainment festival held every winter since its launch in 2019 which has hosted a number of high profile boxing events.

The contest would give Briton Fury, 35, the opportunity to gain revenge after tasting defeat for the first time in his 16-year professional career against Usyk.

It is unlikely that all four belts will be on the line in the rematch with the IBF planning to strip Usyk as he will not be facing its mandatory challenger next.

However Usyk has requested an “exception” to keep hold of the belt for the rematch.

The IBF will told BBC Sport their “board of directors” would meet to discuss the request.

On a grand stage and on a legacy-defining night, Briton Fury began well but was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.

In a tense wait for the scorecards to be read out, Fury appeared convinced of victory before a stoney-faced Usyk broke down in tears when he was confirmed as the winner.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

It meant Fury, 35, lost for the first time in a 16-year professional career. He will get an immediate opportunity for revenge with a rematch planned for later this year.

“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority,” a defiant Fury said in the ring.

“It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I’ll be back.”

Usyk takes the WBC belt from Fury, to add to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection.

The 37-year-old remains unbeaten and is the first boxer in almost 25 years to stand tall as the sport’s sole heavyweight world champion.

“Thank you so much to my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It’s a great time, it’s a great day,” Usyk said.

“Yes, of course. I am ready for a rematch.”

Usyk edges history-making fight

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Tyson Fury had never lost a pro fight in 16 years

Usyk – a former undisputed cruiserweight world champion – prevailed in a fight of two halves at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, propelling himself into the conversation to be considered an all-time great.

After a lack of buzz and noise in the arena for the undercard, not unusual for a Saudi card, a crowd of 20,000 that included famous faces such as Cristiano Ronaldo found their voice for the main event.

Usyk – resembling a warrior – made his entrance wearing a striking all-green traditional Ukrainian outfit, his eyes fixated on the ring.

In contrast to Usyk’s sternness, a playful Fury sang and danced to Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero.

He raced to the ring and headed straight to Usyk’s corner and goaded his opponent, to the enjoyment of 2,500 travelling British fans.

As the two champions advanced to the centre of the ring at the chime of the first bell, the painstakingly long wait to crown an undisputed champion was about to end.

A smiling and brazen Fury showboated his way through the first round. Even when Usyk landed a solid left hook and backed him into the corner, the Gypsy King dismissively laughed it off.

Fury responded with two painful-looking uppercuts to Usyk’s midriff in the second.

The height and reach advantage of Fury was posing too much of a puzzle for Usyk to solve, or so it seemed.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Usyk came back into the contest in the second half of the fight

Usyk has been guilty of starting slowly in the past and was badly hurt by an uppercut in the sixth as the fight appeared to be slipping away.

But he spectacularly came back in an astonishing ninth round.

With Lennox Lewis, the division’s last undisputed champion in the three-belt era, and fellow former champions Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield watching on from ringside, Usyk finally found his rhythm.

After a barrage of overhand lefts, a dazed Fury staggered around the ring – seemingly out on his feet – and into the ropes.

He was given a 10 count before the bell rang as the momentum suddenly swung in Usyk’s favour.

This was not the boring, tactical, chess-like match-up some pundits predicted but a barnstormer, living up to the pre-fight hype from fans and promoters.

Another bruising left hand caught Fury in the 11th. The pair touched gloves before the 12th – there was a feeling there was still all to play for.

But it was a spirited Usyk who may have just edged a competitive final round, and ultimately perhaps that got him across the winning line.

Usyk’s unshakable will prevails against a fit Fury

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Usyk now holds the WBA, IBF, WBO & WBC heavyweight titles

October’s lacklustre performance against debutant Francis Ngannou left many wondering if Fury’s best days were behind him.

But he was a conditioned and fit competitor here, and any suggestion of his demise were quashed when he controlled early parts of a close encounter.

His chance of becoming an undisputed champion, however, may not come again soon.

A rematch is in the works for October but it is unlikely to be for all four belts – the IBF plan to strip Usyk as he will not be facing their mandatory challenger next.

“We’ll go back, rest up. I believe I won the fight but I’m not going to sit and cry and make excuses. We’ll run it again,” Fury added.

Fury may be licking his wounds behind closed doors when the dust settles as Usyk’s unshakable will to win and mental toughness prevailed in the Middle East.

The heavyweight world title is considered by boxing lovers as the greatest, most coveted, prize in sport, and the Crimea-born fighter left the ring draped in all four belts across his 6ft 3in frame.

Usyk, who competed as a middleweight as an amateur, showed that size does not always matter.

The two undefeated world champions will contest the historic undisputed heavyweight title in Riyadh, with all four belts on the line.

Fury – at 18st 7lb (262lb) – came in at his lightest in over four years but still with a significant weight advantage.

Ukraine’s Usyk weighed in at a career-heavy 16st (224lb), although it was incorrectly announced as 16st 6lb at the weigh-in.

WBC champion Fury – who has a history of causing mayhem at fight week events – refused to look Usyk in the eye at Thursday’s news conference but came out in a playful mood for the weigh-in.

Having danced his way on to the stage, he obliged with the face-off, leaning his head into unified champion Usyk and then pushing him back.

It prompted a melee between the two teams.

“I’m going to knock him right out,” Fury said, using a number of expletives.

“I’m coming for his heart. He’s getting it tomorrow, spark out. They [his team] can all get it if they want it.”

He ended the interview and stormed off the stage.

Asked what he said to provoke a reaction from Fury, Usyk said: “Don’t be afraid. I will not leave you alone tomorrow.”

Boisterous Brits cheer on slimmed down Fury

IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS

Image caption: Fury and Usyk are both undefeated with a combined record of 55 wins and one draw

The majority of the 2,500 British fans expected to be in attendance on Saturday landed in the Saudi capital in the morning and made their way to the weigh-in.

Heavyweight legends were also rolled in as Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko watched events unfold.

Wales’ IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina and Belfast’s Anthony Cacace successfully weighed in for their bout, along with the rest of the undercard.

Then it was time for the big men. The boisterous British fans, huddled together, jeered Usyk and erupted – chanting “there’s only one Tyson Fury” – when the Gypsy King entered.

The difference in size has been a hot topic throughout the build-up and Usyk – a former cruiserweight champion – came in only two pounds heavier than when he beat Anthony Joshua in 2022.

At 6ft 3in, he is giving up a six-inch height advantage. Fury also has a reach of 85in, compared to Usyk’s 78in.

Fury, 35, comes in more than stone lighter than his close points win over Francis Ngannou in October.

He was criticised for his conditioning against the boxing debutant and appears to have made the necessary adjustments.

Usyk, 37, and his team had previously mocked Fury by calling him “greedy belly”. This week, their insult has changed to “skinny belly”.

But there are concerns Fury may have lost too much weight, impacting his punch resistance.

Earlier in the week, Briton Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion in the three-belt era, said Fury appears to have lost size in his legs and it could make it easier for him to be knocked down.

Fury, 35, was cut in sparring at his training camp in Saudi Arabia on Friday in preparation for the bout on 17 February in Riyadh.

The injury above Fury’s right eye needed “urgent medical attention” and “significant stitching”.

In a statement, the Briton said he was “absolutely devastated”.

Fury is the WBC champion with Ukraine’s Usyk, 37, holding the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.

If the fight does take place at a later date, the winner will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.

Fury said he had been preparing to face Usyk “for so long” and was in “superb condition”.

“I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye is healed,” he added.

In a later Instagram post he wrote: “Can’t help getting injured in sparring but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble. I am in fantastic shape. I will reschedule soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK.”

Promoters Queensberry Promotions said once doctors have assessed the cut they will have a “better idea of the recovery period needed”.

The fight was originally scheduled for 23 December but Fury’s controversial decision win over former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in October scuppered those plans.

Morecambe-born Fury has won 34 fights with one draw since turning professional in 2008.

He had previously faced criticism for failing to reach terms with Usyk after a proposed bout at London’s Wembley Stadium in April fell through.

Saudi Arabia has ploughed millions of dollars into staging huge sporting events, with critics saying the unprecedented spending is being used to enhance the oil-producing kingdom’s international reputation and deflect from its human rights record and environmental impact.

However, in a recent interview with the BBC, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said claims of ‘sportswashing’ were “very shallow”, insisting the investment is boosting the country’s economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.

Ngannou, 37, put Fury on the canvas in round three after connecting with a left hook.

But while one judge scored it 95-94 in favour of Ngannou, two gave it to Fury at 96-93 and 95-94.

Fury’s WBC heavyweight belt was not on the line.

“That definitely wasn’t in the script,” Fury told TNT Sports.

“I got caught round the back of the head [for the knockdown]. I wasn’t hurt. I got up and got back to my boxing.

“He’s an awkward man and a good puncher and I respect him a lot. He’s given me one of my toughest fights of the last 10 years.”

Ngannou, making his professional boxing debut, came out tentatively behind the jab in the opening round and Fury seemed content with a slow start as he looked to get a read on his opponent.

Fury got a first taste of Ngannou’s power in round two, though, as a cut opened on the forehead of the Gypsy King when he ate a left hook.

Fury looked ill-prepared and sluggish and hit the canvas in round three when he was found behind the right ear with that same punch.

Perhaps still feeling the impact of that shot, he struggled to find his rhythm until the fifth round when he caught Ngannou with a straight one-two combination.

After a brief pushback from Fury when he started to box at range and have success with his jab, Ngannou again began to land some heavy punches in the latter rounds.

It seemed the scorecards were against Fury and he appeared desperate when lunging forward in the seventh, missing Ngannou and falling to his knees – deemed a slip rather than a knockdown.

Ngannou boxed very smartly when he was able to close the distance, using his MMA skills to clinch and land shots to the body and head.

Fury’s face carried the damage as the final bell rang and Ngannou’s corner held his arms up high in the expectation that he was on the verge of pulling off the biggest shock in boxing.

But the scorecards controversially fell in the favour of the seasoned boxer, who won the commemorative ‘Riyadh champion’ belt and extended his unbeaten record to 35 – winning 34 and drawing one.

“My training camp was only three and a half months and I came into this with an injury,” Ngannou said. “But I don’t want to give excuses. I will look at what I can do next to improve my game to come back even better.

“Now I know I can do this, get ready. The wolf is in the house.”

Fury’s victory means a blockbuster bout with fellow heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles, which has been signed, remains on the horizon.

An undisputed heavyweight contest, the first in four-belt era, has been mooted for 23 December, however, a cut and bruised Fury might struggle to turn around so quickly.

Two arenas and plenty of ceremony

The fight in Riyadh was held in a separate ring and in an adjacent arena to the rest of the undercard.

The undercard took place at a small outdoor arena and concluded with a British heavyweight title contest as Fabio Wardley defended his belt against David Adeleye.

After a lengthy break the crowd and media moved into the 26,000-seater Boulevard Hall stadium for a musical offering, which felt like a mix between the Super Bowl halftime show and Eurovision.

It ran for around 30 minutes, with London rapper Flowdan, Grammy award winner Lil Baby and American singer Becky G performing.

As the musical acts concluded, the floor opened and the ring raised from the ground to a huge roar from those inside the 20,000-seater arena.

Eventually, both fighters – wearing crowns – made their way to the ring, but only after they each sat on a gold throne.

Saudi Arabia’s star-studded show

There has been no shortage of glamour in Riyadh this week with a plethora of celebrities gathered for the event.

Where else would you see former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor sat between ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, who now plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, and ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand?

Plenty of famous faces from the world of combat sports turned out in big numbers, with Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, Frank Bruno, Oscar de la Hoya, and Prince Nazeem Hamed among those flying the flag for boxing, while former mixed martial artists Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Junior dos Santos and Frank Mir were ringside.

Footballing great, past and present were also among the crowd, including five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo dashing to the event just hours after a 3-1 win for Al-Nassr at Al-Feiha, alongside former Brazil international Ronaldo and ex-Real Madrid forward Figo.

Producer and fashion designer Kanye West and fellow rapper Eminem also made the trip to Riyadh.

The event formed part of ‘Riyadh Season’ – an entertainment events festival held in Saudi Arabia’s capital every year since 2019.

The Saudi Arabian government reportedly paid big money to host the crossover bout, but the country’s increased involvement in global sport has proven controversial.

Saudi Arabia’s increasing desire to host elite sporting events – including boxing matches, an annual Formula 1 race, and a bid for the 2034 World Cup – has brought scrutiny due to the country’s poor human rights record.

Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, said in September that he “does not care” about accusations that the country is “sportswashing” – investing in sport and using high-profile events to quell criticism of its practices and improve its international reputation.

Additional details, including the fight date, are yet to be announced.

Briton Fury, 35, is the WBC champion and Ukraine’s Usyk, 36, holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.

“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” said Queensbury promoter Frank Warren. “This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport.”

The winner will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.

The targeted date is 23 December, although the fight could be pushed back to early next year.

Fury has won 33 fights with one draw since turning professional in 2008.

‘The Gypsy King’ must first come through a non-title bout against MMA star Francis Ngannou uninjured on 28 October in Riyadh.

Usyk – who has won all 21 pro bouts – defended his titles against Londoner Daniel Dubois in August.

“The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century,” Warren added.

Fury faced criticism for failing to reach terms with Usyk after a proposed bout at London’s Wembley Stadium in April fell through.

“I can’t believe that it’s happening but it is,” Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk said.

There has not been an undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 when Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield to defend the WBA, WBC and IBF titles.

“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the two greatest heavyweights of their generation, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they step into the ring in Riyadh,” Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum said.

“They are special talents worthy of competing for the greatest prize in sports.”

The fight will form part of ‘Riyadh Season’ – an entertainment events festival held in Saudi Arabia’s capital every winter since its launch in 2019.

A number of high-profile bouts have been held in Saudi in recent years, including Usyk’s win over Anthony Joshua in August 2022.

The Gulf kingdom has been accused of investing in sport and using high-profile events to improve its international reputation.

Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its human rights violations – 81 men were executed on one day last year – women’s rights abuses, the criminalisation of homosexuality, the restriction of free speech and the war in Yemen.

Its international standing was severely damaged by the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a US-based Saudi journalist who was a prominent critic of the government.

Human rights campaigners say sport is being used by the Saudi government to distract from long-standing reputation issues.

Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK’s Head of Priority Campaigns and Individuals at Risk, said in a statement: “Ever since Anthony Joshua’s fight against Andy Ruiz in 2019 we’ve become used to these big-money bouts being hosted in Saudi Arabia.

“They are clearly part of a pattern of sportswashing where the Saudi authorities try to use sport to distract from their appalling human rights record.

“We’d like to see both Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk using their platforms to speak out about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.”

Fury won his first world title after dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, before taking a hiatus from the sport.

After well-documented issues with mental health, he returned more than two and a half years later. He contested a trilogy with Deontay Wilder and, having drawn the first fight, beat the American in 2020 to become WBC champion.

Fury won the third fight with hard-hitting Wilder and has since defended his belt against Britons Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.

Usyk is one of the most decorated fighters in world boxing. The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist became undisputed world champion before dethroning Briton Joshua in 2021.

Analysis – the winner will earn greatness status

It is the announcement everybody wanted but nobody expected, especially just before close of play on a Friday. The biggest possible fight in world boxing has been signed. Fury and Usyk have put their differences aside. It does not get bigger than this.

For so long boxing lovers have been left frustrated with the state of the heavyweight division. Why aren’t the best fighting the best? Fury’s fight with Ngannou – a boxing novice – in particular left a bad taste.

But now we can finally get the answer as to who is the top heavyweight boxer in the world. Fury and Usyk will both one day enter the hall of fame. The winner of this fight, however, will earn greatness status.

There will still be some wondering why there is no date. Both sides are aiming for 23 December, but that will leave Fury just eight weeks to prepare after his ‘fight’ with Ngannou.

Riyadh season runs until March so it could take place at any point over the next six months. Some may remain sceptical all the way up until both men are in the ring and the first bell chimes.

The two-time world heavyweight champion has covered Neil Diamond’s classic Sweet Caroline.

The song is set for release on 11 November ahead of the Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

It was chosen for its status as a fan-favourite at many UK sporting events, with Fury saying he feels a particular connection to the track.

“Sweet Caroline is a record I’ve always loved and I’m excited to record and release it,” said the 34-year-old British boxer who is known for singing in the ring after his bouts.

“And thanks to the folks over at Warner Music, they’ve given me the opportunity to do that, and what better time to release it than around the World Cup,” he said.

Fury, who will fight Derek Chisora in their trilogy bout in December, said he was proud to be partnering with the team at Talk Club “who do such amazing work”.

He added: “If it helps England along the way in the World Cup, well that’s an added bonus.”

Fury has previously spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and 100% of the profits from the single, including Fury’s earnings, will be donated to Talk Club.

The charity offers support to men by providing talking groups, sports groups and therapy.

Co-founders Ben Akers and Gavin Thorpe said: “Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. Tyson Fury is a champion, in and out of the ring to many of those men.

“Men see themselves in Tyson, so when he talks – or sings – they listen.”

Fury said: “I have been very vocal about my mental health struggle, especially since my comeback.

“It has been widely printed about my highs and lows, ups and downs, so I’ve tried my best to keep talking about it as much as I can and keep trying to smash the stigma.”

But Fury has set his rival another deadline and called for him to sign the contract for their showdown today.

“My promoter Frank Warren convinced me to let Queensberry carry on negotiating with your team this week, despite me knowing that you were never going to do this fight,” Fury said.

“So the deadline was Monday,” he added. “I allowed Frank to continue doing meetings with your team and your broadcasters and all that. Now we have BT, DAZN and ESPN all on the same page. They are happy with everything, they are all ready to rock and roll.

“You guys ask for a lot of stuff, you want to be co-promoters when you’re a voluntary challenger. Guess what, I said give it them, let them be co-promoters.

“You wanted full transparency, even though you’re not an equal shareholder in this party. You know what I said? Give them full transparency, I’ve got nothing to hide, I’m not trying to rob anybody, I’ve not robbed anybody of a penny in my life.

“So now you’ve got full transparency, everything is clean and fair. Now Joshua, the ball is really in your court son.”

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Joshua has previously insisted that he would sign the contract, but it had to go through his lawyers and management team.

In a direct challenge to him, Fury declared, “Everybody is done. If you’re a man, and if you’ve got any sort of dignity and pride about you, you’ll get this contract signed today. This is it. There is no more days, weeks, months, you’ve had the contract now for over two weeks and you still haven’t signed it.

“Show the public that you’re really the big coward that I know you are, and don’t sign it. I don’t care either way if you sign it or you don’t, it makes no difference to me at all. You’re a beaten man and I’m a world champion. I’m chucking you a massive bone, but I know I can punch a face in so I’m willing to give you an opportunity.

“There’s nothing more to do, everyone is happy. Get your team onto mine, they will be available all day, like they’ve been available the last two weeks. Get this contract signed!

“Let the British fans have what they want. There is no running, you have to fight me. You cannot escape. The Fury is coming.”

Joshua said on Sunday he will sign the contract to fight Fury after the WBC champion issued an ultimatum if they are to put together their all-British heavyweight battle this year.

Fury, who initially called for Joshua to sign the contract by Monday, returned to Instagram to state that Joshua had until 5pm otherwise he will walk away from the deal.

Tyson Fury has declared he will not be fighting Anthony Joshua because “no contract has been signed” after his self-imposed 5pm deadline on Monday.

Joshua said on Sunday he will sign the contract to fight Fury after the WBC champion issued an ultimatum if they are to put together their all-British heavyweight battle this year.

Fury, who initially called for Joshua to sign the contract by Monday, returned to Instagram to state that Joshua had until 5pm otherwise he will walk away from the deal.

He goes on to say: “I always knew you didn’t have the minerals to fight the Gypsy King. Good luck with your career, and your life.”

Joshua had assured Fury on Sunday that he would sign the contract, saying: “It’s not in my hands, it’s with the legal team. That’s why you hire lawyers. You know the history of boxing, make sure you get your legal terms right.

“Of course, I’m going to sign a contract. It’s just with some lawyers at the minute.”

Fury may still fight before the end of the year, but the undisputed showdown with WBO, WBA and IBF titlist Oleksandr Usyk will have to wait until next year.

Mahmoud Charr last week called on Fury to forget about fighting Joshua in December, and to fight him instead.

Former WBA ‘regular’ champion Charr insists Fury should not be fighting Joshua, following AJ’s back-to-back defeats at the hands of Usyk.

“First of all, if Fury fights AJ next, it’s not good for boxing. AJ is mentally broken and he needs recovery from his two losses,” Charr told Sky Sports.

“If Eddie Hearn accepts this fight vs Fury, Eddie [will] have to change his business. I think Fury will give AJ a bad knockout, [given] his mental position now.

“Everyone knows Fury promised more than one time to fight me. If he is the real Spartan, he must fight the real Superman. It’s me.

“I’m coming from a five-win [streak] and God gave me another chance to live. Everyone knows I come from getting shot in my stomach and two hip operations. Never forget, seven months later I became the first Arabic heavyweight champion of the world.

“This story is the same like Fury, to not give up and fight for legacy. I want Fury next. Don’t be scared, Spartan, take my challenge!”

Joshua, 32, was sent an offer by Team Fury, suggesting a 60-40 purse split to the champion and a December fight date.

The fight was agreed on Friday but the announcement was delayed because of the death of the Queen last Thursday.

Initial terms have been agreed but Joshua is yet to sign a contract.

In a statement posted on Twitter and shared by Joshua, 258MGT said: “258 and Matchroom Boxing can confirm, on behalf of Anthony Joshua, that we accepted all terms presented to us by Fury’s team for a fight.”

Fury, 34, had said he was retiring after beating Dillian Whyte in April, and reiterated that claim last month, before challenging former world champion Joshua in a video posted on social media.

Joshua was beaten by Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch in Saudi Arabia last month, his third defeat in his past five bouts.

There is a rematch clause with a 50-50 split if Joshua beats Fury, but the venue for the December fight, should it go ahead, is yet to be confirmed.

Cardiff’s Principality Stadium has been mooted, while Saudi Arabia or another country in the Middle East could also host it.

There are still hurdles to overcome before the fight is finalised, with both fighters signed to rival promoters and broadcasters, although two-time champion Joshua this week entered the WBC rankings in sixth position in another significant development.

A boxer must be ranked in the top 15 by all governing bodies to challenge for a world title.

Fury, 34, is looking for an opponent after rival Oleksandr Usyk, the WBO, WBA and IBF champion, suggested he will not return to the ring until 2023.

Joshua, who was beaten by the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia last month, responded to Fury’s challenge by saying he would be “ready in December”.

Fury said in April he was retiring.

But in a video posted on social media on Monday, he said: “You’ve all heard that I’m going to be fighting within the next few months, and before I announce an opponent I need to do this just in case.

“Anthony Joshua, I know you’ve just lost a fight to Usyk, and I know you’re belt-less at the moment, and I’d like to give you an opportunity to fight me for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world and the lineal championship in the next few months.

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• Oleksandr Usyk calls out Tyson Fury after victory over Anthony Joshua

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“You’re coming off a 12-round fight so you’re match fit, you’re ready, I’m giving you a few months’ notice.

“If you’re interested I’ll send you the date over and we can rumble – a battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.”

Fury had said he was retiring after beating Dillian Whyte in April, and also reiterated that claim just last month.

On Saturday, Fury said he would announce his next opponent next week – but confirmed it will not be Usyk.

Uysk said on Friday of a fight with Fury: “It won’t happen this year, that’s for sure. I’m totally healthy and don’t have any injuries, but I have old traumas which have resurfaced, and which need to be treated. I will need up to two months to recuperate.”

In a clash billed as the Rage on the Red Sea, a spirited Joshua, 32, showed some aggressiveness and intent – a vast improvement from their first fight – but could not match the brilliance and ring savviness of the Ukrainian who improved his record to 20 wins from 20 contests. 

Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 to Usyk and the third gave it 115-113 to Joshua. 

While there were some close rounds, Usyk – in just his fourth bout since moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight – was the deserved winner.

At the end of the fight, a furious Joshua – quite bizarrely – picked up two of Usyk’s belts, dropped them out of the ring and strode towards the dressing room, before turning round and getting back into the ring to give an impassioned speech. 

“Usyk is one hell of a fighter. That’s just emotion,” he said. “If you knew my story, you’d understand the passion. I’m not an amateur boxer. I was going to jail and I got bail and I started training.

“It shows the passion we put into this. For this guy to beat me tonight, it shows the levels of hard work he must have put in, so please give him a round of applause as heavyweight champion of world.

“They said that I’m not a 12-round fighter. I ain’t 14 stone, I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy. It’s hard work. This guy here is phenomenal.”

Joshua also went up to Usyk and said to him: “I was studying Ukraine and all the champions from your amazing country. I’ve never been there. What’s happening there, I don’t know but it’s not nice.

“You’re not strong, how did you beat me? Because of skills. I had character and determination.”

He has now suffered back-to-back defeats against Usyk, with the champion retaining the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF titles he won in London last September.

He claims the Gypsy King pushed him over, causing his head to slam against the canvas.

The WBC champion retained his title in emphatic fashion at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, delivering a stunning uppercut in the sixth round that ended a contest he had dominated throughout.

But Whyte believes the knockout should not have been allowed to stand and felt he had ridden the initial punch only for Fury to push him to the floor with considerable force.

Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday, Whyte said: ‘When the uppercut landed I was buzzed but obviously I was trying to regather my senses and then he proper full-on pushed me and I fell over and hit my head on the canvas, which is illegal. This ain’t wrestling, this is boxing.

‘But as usual they let Fury do what he wants and get away with it. I should have been allowed extra time to recover and then carried on fighting.

‘He pushed me and then he even went to the referee and said, “Oh, don’t let the fight carry on.” What? It was like… the referee ain’t doing his job.

‘Okay, I got caught, no doubt about that, a good shot. I went for the left uppercut, he went for the right uppercut, he’s a bit taller than me, so obviously he landed his at range.

‘I was hurt obviously, but I didn’t go straight down. I was hurt, I was trying to get my senses together, and then he full-on, two-handed pushed me. It wasn’t like a one-arm thing, he full-on pushed me and I fell over and hit my head.

‘Terrible job from the referee there but it is what it is. I should have had time to recover, time to go back to my corner, but Tyson Fury gets away with a lot of things.

‘He says he’s going to retire, I hope he doesn’t retire because I want another go.’

A livid Dillian Whyte later took to Twitter to express his frustration.

For fans in Africa, the action will be broadcast live on SuperSport and Showmax Pro on Saturday (SS Action, from 19:00 CAT; SS Max1, 20:30 CAT).

Fury sits atop the heavyweight pile since his epic trilogy against Deontay Wilder where the pair traded fierce shots – and knockdowns – with Fury ultimately winning two and drawing the other with his American rival.

Massive at 2,06m and with long arms, Fury brings awkwardness, movement and decent power to this local showdown against a man who has largely been avoided by the division’s elite. Seven years ago Whyte challenged Anthony Joshua, and lost, but he has since rebounded and beaten a slew of challengers to reach the front of the queue.

A relentless pressure fighter, he brings energy and a gritty inside game that could make life difficult for Fury at close quarters.

The real appeal of this fight is that big men such as these bring significant power, and a determination to hurt the other. The action on Saturday could be compelling.

“Everybody has a chance in the heavyweight division, that’s why it’s the most exciting division,” said Sugar Hill, trainer of Fury. “Everybody wants one heavyweight to hit the other heavyweight and them to go down. That’s it. That’s what the heavyweight division brings. That’s what the heavyweight division is about. It’s about that one punch knockout at any given time, it can happen.”

Don’t miss the action on SuperSport on DStv. Visit www.dstv.com to subscribe or upgrade, and join in on the excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream the fight on the DStv App.

The unbeaten Fury, 33, faces his fellow Briton, 34, at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on 23 April, St George’s Day.

At the news conference to announce the fight last month Fury said he would “100%” retire after it.

But he backtracked on Thursday saying: “I am only thinking about Dillian Whyte at this moment, I am not thinking about retirement.”

Speaking during a news conference for his first UK fight since 2018, Fury did not talk about his links to Daniel Kinahan, who has been sanctioned by the US Treasury.

Kinahan has worked with Fury and fellow world champion Josh Taylor, and his links with boxing were the subject of a BBC Panorama investigation in 2021.

On Tuesday, US officials announced sanctions against several top members of the Irish Kinahan organised crime group, saying that Daniel Kinahan “is believed to run the day-to-day operations of the organisation”.

Fury will defend the WBC title he won from Deontay Wilder then retained during his trilogy with the American.

They were three of the five fights Fury has had in the US since beating Francesco Pianeta in Belfast in August 2018.

Having failed to agree an all-British bout with Anthony Joshua, Fury’s return to the UK against Whyte has attracted 94,000 ticket sales – the biggest post-war boxing crowd in the UK.

“It’s amazing,” Fury added. “I’m overwhelmed with the amount of support I’ve had in the last few years.

“It was only right for me to come back home and give the British fight fans what they deserve, what everyone’s been gunning for for a long time.

“After this fight they’re going to make me the patron saint of England, not St George,” said the two-time champion.

Frank Warren was successful in his purse bid to secure the lucrative bout and Fury is set to return to the United Kingdom, whereas Whyte will finally get his heavyweight title shot. 

As expected, social media went a little wild over the announcement which even saw ‘The Rock’ get involved.

Fury to defend WBC title against Dillian Whyte

Tyson Fury’s WBC heavyweight title fight with Dillian Whyte has been confirmed.

Fury’s boxing promoter Frank Warren announced on Friday he will be staging the heavyweight clash after successfully winning the purse with an offer of £31m.

A date and venue have yet to be confirmed but Cardiff’s Principality Stadium has been touted as a possible destination on 23 April.

Whyte is the WBC’s number one and mandatory contender after avenging a loss to Alexander Povetkin 11 months ago.

The 33-year-old has not fought since then and will fight for a heavyweight title for the first time in his career.

Fury hasn’t boxed in the UK since beating Francesco Pianeta in Belfast in August 2018. The WBC heavyweight champion’s last five fights have been held in United States, including the famous trilogy against Deontay Wilder.

How did social media react?

‘The Gypsy King’ took to social media to address the purse bid announcement and had a message for Dillian Whyte.

“I’m very happy, guys. Big GK (Gypsy King) is coming home,” he said. “Coming home, I’m coming home. I cannot wait. Me and Dillian are going to put it on the line.”

Fury added: “Get ready for the biggest British dust-up since Lennox Lewis vs Frank Bruno. History in the making.”

Fury and Whyte are no strangers to each other.

The pair have sparred in the past and Whyte has called out Fury on several occasions, including via this pinned tweet on Twitter.

Boxing fans have now begun their predictions ahead of the all-British heavyweight showdown between Fury and Whyte.

Twenty months since Fury dethroned the American, the 33-year-old had to show all his resolve and resilience to extend his undefeated professional record to 32 fights after twice being floored in the fourth round.

Fury sent his opponent sprawling in an explosive third, only to see Wilder recover and the Briton found himself on the end of the Bronze Bomber’s huge right hand twice in quick succession.

Wilder was hanging on by the end of the seventh but was still in a gruelling fight come the 10th, when Fury knocked him down once more, before delivering the final blow in the 11th to bring this particular chapter of heavyweight boxing to a close.

“I was down a couple of times, I was hurt, Wilder is a strong puncher,” said Fury.

“It was a great fight. I will not make any excuses, Wilder is a top fighter, he gave me a run for my money. I always say I am the best fighter in the world and he is the second-best.

“Don’t ever doubt me. When the chips are down I can always deliver.”