The countdown to Tyson Fury’s return has begun. Fury is stepping back into the ring against a heavy-hitter in Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, but the real war is brewing in his own family. The comeback has not pleased everyone close to him, especially his father, John Fury, who has openly opposed his decision to return against such a dangerous opponent.
For years, John Fury played a central role in Tyson’s career, acting as both mentor and a constant presence in his corner. This time, however, he has stepped away completely. He has confirmed that he will neither attend the fight nor take part in the training camp. As a result, their relationship has now broken down, prompting John to finally speak out in an interview with the Daily Mail.
John Fury reveals fallout with son Tyson Fury
“My relationship with Tyson is destroyed,” John Fury said. “Boxing destroyed it completely. I’ve never taken £10 off him in my life, and I never will. I don’t want Tyson’s money, and I don’t need Tyson’s money. Don’t forget who built his story when he was a kid. He didn’t build it himself, did he? Me, his father.”
‘The Gypsy King’ stayed out of action since 2024, making this a return after around 15 months away from the ring. During that period, he suffered a tough loss in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, who had already beaten him in their first bout.
Consequently, those back-to-back defeats took a toll on Tyson Fury and led him to announce what became his fifth retirement. As he has done several times in his career, he now prepares for another comeback. Still, his father believes he has not been the same since his fights with Deontay Wilder.
“Tyson has been gone since the Deontay Wilder fights, they finished him,” he said. “Wilder completely done him. He’s not got a leg underneath him. When you fight one of the hardest punchers in boxing history three times, it takes something out of you that you never get back. You can’t refill that tank to what it once was.”
John Fury bombshell: ‘My relationship with Tyson is destroyed COMPLETELY.’
Emotional interview reveals boxing
‘destroyed it completely’ after Tyson took others’ advice over his dad’s.John wants NO part in the Gypsy King’s April 11 comeback vs Makhmudov at Tottenham, urges… pic.twitter.com/P7p779aoXM
— Skint Eastwood (@Skint_Eastwood1) March 19, 2026
Meanwhile, their 2021 trilogy with Wilder stands as one of the most memorable rivalries in heavyweight boxing history, with both fighters pushing each other to the limit in a brutal back-and-forth war. Tyson Fury came out on top and cemented his place among the elite heavyweights of his era. However, according to his father, that punishing series of fights left a lasting impact, and Tyson Fury has never truly been the same since.
At the same time, Tyson Fury faces not only a strained relationship with his father but also growing tension within his immediate family, including his wife, Paris Fury. Meanwhile, while speaking to the Daily Mail in February, Fury revealed that some family members, including his brother, have already distanced themselves after he decided to return to the ring against Arslanbek Makhmudov, who has recorded 19 knockouts in 23 professional fights.
However, the situation goes beyond personal differences. His family remains concerned about his long-term health, and that concern has shaped their reaction. ‘The Gypsy King’ has already faced health concerns after tough outings against Francis Ngannou and Oleksandr Usyk. Even so, he shows no signs of slowing down. According to his father, Fury’s inner circle also shares responsibility for the situation.
John Fury criticizes “people around” Tyson Fury for his condition
As the Brit prepares to face Arslanbek Makhmudov, his father no longer sees his motivation as pure passion for the sport and instead describes it as an “addiction.” He also points to the influence of those around Fury, including teammates and management, as a key factor behind his decision to step back into the ring.
“I don’t think he listens to me because of the people around him,” John Fury told the Daily Mail. “I just think there have been that many people in his ear about me, his father, this, that and the other. People sort of disrespecting me. If you get told enough times, ‘your father’s this, your father’s that,’ you start believing it.”
That said, John Fury does not completely oppose his son fighting again. Instead, he wants him to return in top condition, stronger, fitter, and fully prepared, rather than looking “thin and fat.” He believes these concerns are justified given the level of competition and the physical toll of the sport.
At the same time, Fury’s current approach raises further questions. Reports suggest he is entering the fight without a proper coach or nutritionist, a decision that has only deepened his father’s worries. Ultimately, John Fury makes his stance clear. He wants to see his son safe above everything else.
So, how do you view the strained relationship between Tyson Fury and his father? Share your thoughts below.
