The boxing world has been set abuzz once again, this time by comments from World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaiman, who has stirred controversy with his recent remarks about Tyson Fury’s state of mind following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. Sulaiman’s claim that Fury remains “very bitter” about the unanimous decision loss in their December 2024 rematch, which prompted the British heavyweight to announce his fifth retirement, has sparked heated discussions among fans, analysts, and insiders. The statement, made during an interview with Sky Sports, has reignited debates about Fury’s legacy, his mindset, and the integrity of boxing’s judging system.

Tyson Fury, known as “The Gypsy King,” has long been a polarizing figure in the sport. His larger-than-life personality, combined with his remarkable in-ring achievements, has made him one of the most prominent heavyweights of his era. However, his career has also been marked by moments of unpredictability, including multiple retirement announcements. After losing to Usyk in May 2024 by split decision, Fury suffered another defeat in their rematch, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in favor of the Ukrainian. This second loss, which cost Fury any chance of reclaiming the WBC heavyweight title, appears to have left a lasting impact. According to Sulaiman, Fury expressed deep dissatisfaction with the judges’ scoring, believing he was the rightful winner despite the unanimous verdict.

Sulaiman’s comments have raised eyebrows, particularly because they seem to cast doubt on the fairness of the judges’ decision while simultaneously highlighting Fury’s emotional struggle. “I call him regularly, and he said, ‘Oh, I’m so happy, retired; I’m here with my wife,’” Sulaiman told Sky Sports. “He didn’t hint whatsoever that he was planning on coming back. He told me he was not happy with the decision in the second fight with Usyk. He’s still very bitter about the judges’ scoring, and he was very upset.” These remarks have fueled speculation about whether Fury’s retirement is truly final or simply another chapter in his ongoing saga of comebacks and withdrawals.

The controversy surrounding Sulaiman’s statement lies in its implications. By emphasizing Fury’s bitterness, Sulaiman has inadvertently called attention to the subjective nature of boxing’s scoring system, which has long been a point of contention in the sport. Critics argue that Sulaiman’s remarks could undermine the credibility of the judges and, by extension, Usyk’s victory. The Ukrainian, who became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era after defeating Fury in May 2024, has been widely praised for his technical brilliance and resilience. His victories over Fury cemented his status as one of the all-time greats, yet Sulaiman’s comments risk overshadowing this achievement by amplifying Fury’s grievances.

Fury’s retirement announcement, his fifth in recent years, has also drawn skepticism. The 36-year-old has a history of stepping away from the sport only to return, often citing unfinished business or lucrative opportunities. His previous retirements, including one after defeating Dillian Whyte in 2022, were short-lived, leading many to question the sincerity of his latest decision. Despite Sulaiman’s assertion that Fury is content in retirement, the WBC president also left the door open for a potential comeback, comparing it to a scene from The Godfather: “Maybe we’ll hear him say: ‘Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!’” This ambiguity has only added to the speculation surrounding Fury’s future.

The boxing community remains divided. Some fans and pundits believe Fury’s bitterness stems from a genuine belief that he was robbed in the rematch, pointing to his vocal protests immediately after the fight. Others argue that Usyk’s dominance was clear, with the Ukrainian outboxing Fury with superior speed and precision. Posts on X reflect this split, with some users expressing sympathy for Fury’s frustration, while others dismiss his claims as sour grapes. Meanwhile, Sulaiman’s willingness to offer Fury an immediate title shot if he returns has sparked accusations of favoritism, with critics questioning whether such opportunities should be reserved for active contenders like Agit Kabayel or Anthony Joshua.

As the dust settles, the focus shifts to what lies ahead for both Fury and Usyk. The Ukrainian is set to face Daniel Dubois in a bid to reclaim the IBF title, while Fury’s future remains uncertain. Whether “The Gypsy King” will stay true to his retirement or be lured back by the prospect of redemption—or a high-profile fight against Joshua—remains to be seen. For now, Sulaiman’s comments have added another layer of drama to an already storied rivalry, ensuring that the boxing world will continue to watch Fury’s next move with bated breath.