Tyson Fury’s 2022 was his most unusual and crazy yet, as fans didn’t know what to believe about the world-famous “Gypsy King.”
The WBC heavyweight champion began the year relatively quietly as a mandatory fight with Dillian Whyte was already stipulated.
Therefore, Fury had a focus, something to keep him in camp and keep him occupied. So, the first leg of the journey was straightforward.
Tyson Fury in 2022
Fury fought Whyte at Wembley Stadium in an April homecoming clash following his exploits against Deontay Wilder. He deserved all the fanfare for conquering America and bringing home the coveted green and gold belt.
However, soon after the knockout, things got a little crazier.
May 2022 – Retired
Fury announced the Whyte fight would be the perfect way to bow out of the sport.
May 2022 – Kicks a taxi
Tyson Fury went viral for kicking a taxi.
June 2022 – Tyson Fury called out Francis Ngannou [again]
While he was still the world heavyweight champion in a curveball move, Fury called out his UFC counterpart to fight.
At one point, it even seemed as though it could happen. US promoter Bob Arum commented.
“[Francis Ngannou] is still recovering from an injury, but I would love to do that fight,” Arum said.
“Depending on Ngannou’s contract with the UFC, we need to do it with or without the UFC. But that would be a huge, huge event.
“I’m interested. Who wouldn’t be? Ngannou was (is) the heavyweight champion of the UFC, and with Tyson Fury, I think it will be a huge event.”
July 2022 – Retired
Speaking at a fan event, Fury said he wouldn’t be fighting again after getting dropped twice by Deontay Wilder in October 2021.
“I had lumps on the back of my head like fists [after fighting Deontay Wilder],” said Fury.
“I was concussed, and I didn’t remember anything. But I was thinking, ‘Did I get put down four times?’ I thought, ‘I think it’s time to call it a day.'”
August 2022 – Calls out Derek Chisora [again]
In early August, and despite his retirement, Fury called out Chisora for a trilogy.
August 2022 – Flew to Iceland to find Thor
Fury flew to Iceland with his father to find ex-World’s Strongest Man, Thor Bjornsson, to call him out for a fight.
August 2022 – Confirms retirement [again]
On his birthday, Fury confirmed he’ll never fight again after fans rejected the notion of a third fight with Derek Chisora.
“Massive thanks to everyone who had an input in my career over the year. After long hard conversations, I’ve finally decided to walk away,” said Fury.
“On my 34th birthday, I say bon voyage.”
It didn’t last long.
August 2022 – Vacates Rocky belt
Before Anthony Joshua fought Oleksandr Usyk, Fury gave them the gift of the famous “Rocky” belt.
August 2022 – Un-retires and confirms trainer
Two weeks after his retirement, Fury returned to boxing and announced on social media that his friend Isaac Lowe would train him.
Fury said he got bored with retirement.
August 2022 – Calls out Oleksandr Usyk
Fury called on Usyk to agree to an undisputed clash.
September 2022 – Punches a WWE wrestler
During the WWE taping of Clash at the Castle in Cardiff, Fury – who has wrestled with the company before in Saudi Arabia – turned up in the crowd to support Drew McIntyre.
They had been feuding before this collaboration, where Fury punched Austin Theory as he tried to cash in his Money in the Bank contract.
Fury then sang in front of a capacity crowd with the rugged Scotsman.
September 2022 – The Anthony Joshua offer
Just days after his appearance with WWE, Fury sent an offer to Anthony Joshua last month for an all-British world title showdown.
Things looked promising when Joshua stated he’d accept 60-40 with a 50-50 rematch. However, deadlines and a lack of agreement killed any chance of the bout happening.
Again, with all the best intentions in the world, it didn’t happen.
October 2022 – Tyson Fury signs to fight Derek Chisora
In a surprising move, Fury signed a contract for a third fight with Chisora.
What makes the situation so dumbfounding is that Fury beat Chisora in 2011. They then had an unnecessary rematch in 2014.
Fury was much better by then and wholly dominated to the point where there were real fears for Chisora’s safety.
He got pulled out of the fight late, thankfully. But eight years later, with Fury on top of the world and the most improved heavyweight in the division, there were warranted worries over 12-loss Chisora.
We knew this fight was only going one way. That’s how long Fury wants it to go on. He battered Chisora for ten rounds until the referee saved his friend.
What another action-packed Tyson Fury year. But a disappointing way to end it on December 3rd.
The views expressed in this article are the opinions of experienced boxing writer Phil Jay. Twitter @PhilJWBN. Follow WBN: Facebook, Insta, Twitter.
