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Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury is one of heavyweight boxing’s most unusual champions: a 6′9″ (206 cm) giant with the timing, footwork, and improvisation of a lighter man. Turning professional in 2008, Fury rose through the British and European ranks using a long jab, switchable rhythm, and clever defense that made his size feel even bigger. In 37 pro bouts he compiled a 34–2–1 record with 24 knockouts, blending raw physicality with a tactical mind that can box at range or bully inside when necessary. His 216 cm reach and loose upper-body movement let him control distance, while his willingness to change stance mid-exchange keeps opponents unsure of angles.
Fury’s breakthrough came in November 2015 when he outboxed Wladimir Klitschko over twelve rounds in Germany to win the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles, ending a dominant reign and proving he could win a pure chess match. After a long hiatus, he returned to the top in spectacular fashion through the Deontay Wilder trilogy, producing two stoppage wins (2020 and 2021) and a dramatic draw in 2018. Those fights showcased his full range: patient long-range boxing, grinding clinch work, and a ruthless finishing instinct when he had Wilder hurt.
The early 2020s kept him in mega-fight territory. He defended the WBC belt against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, then survived a rough night versus debutant Francis Ngannou in 2023, escaping with a split decision after a knockdown. In 2024 Fury finally met Oleksandr Usyk. Their May bout was razor-thin, but he lost a split decision after being ruled down in round nine. The December rematch ended in a clearer unanimous decision defeat, leaving Fury with back-to-back losses yet still firmly among the era’s defining heavyweights. Even in defeat, his durability, ring savvy, and elite feel for tempo remain obvious. Fury’s legacy is already that of a modern heavyweight great: a fighter who turned size into artistry, overcame adversity, and delivered some of the division’s most memorable nights.
Tips / interesting facts:
- Fury often starts slow to read patterns, then ramps up feints and jab variation in the middle rounds.
- Despite his size, he prefers rhythm and angles over brute force—his best wins are built on timing.
- He uses clinches strategically to disrupt momentum, then resets distance behind a long jab.
- Switching stances mid-fight is a trademark; it helps him change lanes without changing pace.
- His recovery after knockdowns (Wilder I, Ngannou) is a key reason he’s so hard to finish.
Professional Fight History (Box-pro)
| Date | Opponent (record at time) | Result | Venue / City | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2024 | Oleksandr Usyk (22-0-0) | Loss — UD (12) | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh | IBO/WBC/WBO World Heavy |
| May 18, 2024 | Oleksandr Usyk (21-0-0) | Loss — SD (12) | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh | Fury ruled down R9; undisputed bout |
| Oct 28, 2023 | Francis Ngannou (debut) | Win — SD (10) | Boulevard Hall, Riyadh | Fury down from L-hook R3 |
| Dec 03, 2022 | Derek Chisora (33-12-0) | Win — TKO (10) | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London | WBC World Heavy defense |
| Apr 23, 2022 | Dillian Whyte (28-2-0) | Win — TKO (6) | Wembley Stadium, London | Uppercut stoppage |
| Oct 09, 2021 | Deontay Wilder (42-1-1) | Win — KO (11) | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas | Classic trilogy finale |
| Feb 22, 2020 | Deontay Wilder (42-0-1) | Win — TKO (7) | MGM Grand, Las Vegas | Heavy pressure masterclass |
| Dec 01, 2018 | Deontay Wilder (40-0-0) | Draw — SD (12) | Staples Center, Los Angeles | Fury down R9 & R12 |
| Nov 28, 2015 | Wladimir Klitschko (64-3-0) | Win — UD (12) | ESPRIT arena, Düsseldorf | Won unified titles |
| 2008–2014 | Multiple opponents | All wins | UK / Ireland venues | Rise to world level |
| Dec 06, 2008 | Bela Gyongyosi (3-9-2) | Win — TKO (1) | Nottingham Arena, Nottingham | Pro debut for Fury |