In a development that adds another layer of intrigue to Tyson Fury`s future plans, Russia, via the International Boxing Association (IBA), has formally entered the conversation as a potential host for one of the heavyweight champion`s upcoming fights, explicitly suggesting it could be his last.
Fury, known for his travels and willingness to fight in various locations from the UK and Germany to Canada and the US, recently visited Istanbul as a guest of the IBA during one of their boxing events. While there, the conversation, as it often does with Fury, turned to his next steps, with familiar possibilities like a trilogy bout against Oleksandr Usyk or a domestic clash with Anthony Joshua being discussed.
However, IBA President Umar Kremelev seized the opportunity to present a rather grand proposal. Speaking directly to Fury, Kremelev expressed a desire for the IBA to be involved in what he termed a “farewell bout” for “the king of boxing.” The suggestion was clear: host this significant, final fight in Russia under the IBA`s banner. Kremelev even invoked a sense of coming full circle, noting, “You started your career with the IBA, so you have to complete your career with IBA!” (Though Fury`s professional career is distinct from amateur boxing governed by associations like the IBA, the sentiment behind the invitation was evident).
Fury`s response to this unexpected offer was, typically, layered. He acknowledged a past, unfulfilled plan to visit Russia years ago, painting a somewhat whimsical picture of standing in Red Square in a fur coat amidst the snow before heading to a party. He then pivoted to his current venture – filming a reality show with Netflix. He suggested that featuring a fight in Russia on a global platform like Netflix, reaching potentially hundreds of millions or even a billion viewers worldwide, could be “very good for relations.”
The “very good for relations” comment, delivered by the `Gypsy King` in the current geopolitical climate, carries a certain weight, perhaps intended as a straightforward observation or possibly laced with a subtle wink. Regardless of the subtext, Fury ended by directing Kremelev to his manager, Spencer Brown, indicating that a formal proposal should be put forward for consideration.
This invitation isn`t the first signal of the IBA`s ambition regarding professional boxing in Russia. The association has also voiced interest in bringing the potential third fight between light heavyweight stars Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev to Russian soil, a move even given a provisional nod by Saudi Arabia`s Turki Alalshikh, who promoted their previous bouts. This suggests a concerted effort by the IBA to establish Russia as a destination for high-profile professional boxing events.
Whether a Tyson Fury farewell fight in Russia ever materializes remains highly uncertain. It adds another fascinating, if perhaps unlikely, option to the swirling speculation surrounding the future of the reigning heavyweight champion, a man who seems to collect potential fight locations and retirement announcements with equal measure.
