Former British boxer Johnny Nelson has cast doubt on Tyson Fury’s return to the ring for his scheduled rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, even suggesting that the Gypsy King might retire from boxing altogether. This development is especially concerning for Anthony Joshua, who has long been touted as Fury’s next big opponent.

Fury, 35, recently suffered a major blow to his career when he lost his undefeated record in a split points decision to Usyk during their undisputed heavyweight title bout. Despite being the favorite and controlling the fight at the halfway mark, Fury saw the match slip away as Usyk delivered a spectacular performance in the latter rounds, nearly knocking Fury out.

The Ukrainian boxer was crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion, a decision that Fury has publicly deemed unjust. The loss has clearly taken a toll on Fury, who was recently seen in a concerning state, being escorted out of a bar before collapsing on the street. This incident has sparked worry among his fans, though they hope it was an isolated event.

Fury has a few months before he is scheduled to re-enter training camp for the rematch with Usyk on December 21. However, Johnny Nelson believes that Fury may not make it to the ring for the rematch. In a recent interview with Seconds Out, Nelson expressed his doubts about Fury’s future in boxing.

“I think for Tyson Fury, the realization of what’s happened to him will kick in slowly but surely,” Nelson said. “It probably buys into all the theories of whether he will box again and where his head’s going to be at for the Usyk rematch. I don’t believe Tyson will fight Oleksandr Usyk next, or again.”

Nelson went further, suggesting that the manner of Fury’s defeat has left him struggling to cope, potentially leading to his retirement. “He could retire because of the manner of the defeat – he’s struggling to deal with it. As long as Usyk’s around, he ain’t gonna box. He can’t get his head around it. I don’t think he’ll go through that again. He can smile and joke but it’s a big deal.”

The possibility of Fury retiring would send shockwaves through British boxing. Fans have been eagerly anticipating a showdown between Fury and his long-time rival Anthony Joshua. Fury’s retirement would not only alter the landscape of heavyweight boxing but also dash hopes for what many consider one of the most anticipated matchups in recent memory.

As the boxing world watches and waits, the uncertainty surrounding Tyson Fury’s future looms large. Will he find the strength to face Usyk again, or will he choose to step away from the sport that has defined his career? For now, only time will tell, but the implications of his decision will be felt throughout the boxing community.