Undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury recently disclosed his struggle with a two-week battle against depression following his narrow win over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Fury said that he’s accustomed to grappling with emotional turmoil after bouts. He recently shared his experience during an interview with Boxing Social.
The reigning WBC heavyweight champion secured his thirty-fourth professional victory last month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fury ended up winning the match via a split decision against Ngannou in their first boxing encounter.
Despite a third-round scare when dropped by Ngannou, Fury held on to claim a controversial split decision victory. He is now set for an upcoming title unification clash against fellow undefeated heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The match is scheduled for February next year in Riyadh.
Reflecting on his win over Ngannou, Fury admitted to a familiar cycle of depression after bouts that typically lasts for two weeks. He conveyed that the period of emotional struggle after bouts has become somewhat routine in his career.
Fury disclosed: “Every fight I have two weeks post-fight depression, and I’m just about getting over that now. Just about getting back to reality … I know it’s gonna go after about two weeks. I’m used to it. The highs and lows of it all. With every high there’s an even bigger low.”
While talking about his upcoming bout against Usyk, Fury stated: “Who called for this fight? Who called for Usyk versus Fury? Who called for the undisputed? Who wants this fight? And now the fans are getting it, I don’t want to hear any complaints. No complaining.”
“When this fight wasn’t happening it seemed that everybody was happier than when it got signed. Now I don’t know why that is, but now you’ve got what you want, enjoy it. ‘It won’t happen, I was scared, I was running away’ – what’s happening now then? I’m about to make another hundred million.”
Tyson Fury’s openness about his emotional challenges sheds light on the lesser-discussed aspects of an athlete’s mental journey. His revelation offers insight into the psychological toll competitive bouts can take, even amidst the glory of victory.