'Retirement is terrifying - but Fury's not done'

Tyson Fury claims he’s retired. If you believe that, you may not know boxing or his Instagram. In the past, he might have meant it. This time, it seems like a strategy. I don’t think he’s finished.

The 'Gypsy King' is back in the gym. He has been posting clips of himself training and running. He’s leading us on a wild goose chase. Deep down, I think he knows it too. Fury's passion for boxing is still alive.

I’ve been in this sport since age seven. I’ve seen fighters say they’re done before. Sometimes it’s just a pause to breathe and reset. Other times, it's an impulsive decision made in the heat of the moment.

That was true for me after losing to Anthony Cacace in September. After my third straight defeat, I told my dad, "It's not there anymore." I was fully committed to that decision. I felt broken physically and mentally at that moment.

I did a lap of honor and told Eddie Hearn I was retiring. The next day was painful; it felt like the longest drive home ever. For weeks, I'd drop my kids at school then cry in bed afterward.

Boxing isn’t just a job for me; it's who I am. It kept me out of trouble and gave me purpose when others lacked one. Losing that part of myself was terrifying.

People reached out to support me, even those who didn’t like me. They told me to hold my head up high. Watching my fight again showed me it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Leeds United fans even stopped me at games to say I'm not finished.

So, I returned to the gym and started moving again. I realized I still had something left inside me. I couldn’t go out like that.

It’s easy for outsiders to say, “Just walk away.” But unless you've lived it, you can’t understand the routine and structure of training week after week—it’s addictive.

I've never used recreational drugs but imagine fight night feels similar to that high—the lights and adrenaline are thrilling! And let’s be honest: money matters too.

Boxing is both a passion and a business now. One punch can change your life forever; paychecks can be huge! Influencers make millions from novelty fights nowadays.

For top heavyweights like Fury, what are 36 minutes in the ring worth when there's eight figures on the line? But this also poses dangers—head injuries add up over time.

What does all that money mean if your speech slurs or reactions slow down? That’s why boxing needs a union! Footballers have their PFA (Professional Footballers' Association), but we have nothing similar.

Many fighters come from tough backgrounds—boxing offers them an escape route. When careers end, calls stop coming; tax bills arrive instead! Some fighters spiral into depression or gambling during these times.

A union could provide guidance and investment advice for boxers transitioning out of their careers—setting age limits for comebacks would help too! A 58-year-old Mike Tyson returning isn’t a comeback; it's dangerous!

As for Tyson Fury? He will return to boxing eventually—I believe he’ll fight Anthony Joshua too! That match is too significant not to happen despite its changed context over time.

Fury might take an easier fight first or jump right back in with Joshua either way—I don’t believe he’s done yet! Not until his gloves are truly hung up for good—and finding something else thrilling won’t be easy either.