British boxer Tommy Fury has shared his torment after he had to withdraw from his highly anticipated bout with Jake Paul in 2021.
Fury confessed that he felt his ‘whole world fell apart’ following rigorous training for the face-off against the controversial Internet star turned pugilist. In light of his new autobiography, ‘Lightning Can Strike Twice: My Life as a Fury’, which lands on shelves a mere two months post his split from influencer Molly-Mae Hague, Fury opens up about a variety of experiences.
Back in 2021, it was all set for the young fighter to take on ‘The Problem Child’ in December, assuming he could triumph over Paul’s sparring partner, the ex-MMA combatant Anthony Taylor. With a unanimous victory under his belt, the stage seemed set for Fury to finally confront Paul after an extended period of heated exchanges online.
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But, fate had other plans and mere weeks before their much-talked-about confrontation, Fury had to back out due to “a severe chest infection and a broken rib”. He expressed his devastation: “I am absolutely heartbroken that I have been forced to withdraw from my fight with Jake Paul.
“The beginning of my camp was going so incredibly and I never expected anything to come in my way from a victory on December 18. I can’t express how disappointed I am and I really do hope we can get this fight rescheduled in the New Year, I want this fight to still happen more than anything. I’m now regretfully putting my focus on recovery and a further reschedule date.”
In his tell-all memoir, Fury opens up about the aftermath of withdrawing from a major bout, stating, “My whole world felt apart,” detailing his humble beginnings and contrasting it with the financial gains post-‘Love Island. ‘ He confesses, “I was this kid from Salford with no money and a big dream. I may have done well financially after Love Island, but the fee I would have earned from this fight was something else.
“I didn’t think it could get much worse, but once the news of the fight cancellation hit the press, everything kicked off. I received a torrent of online abuse, my accusers saying I was ‘scared of a YouTuber,’ ‘not a Fury’, ‘a fake fighter’, ’embarrassing my family’, and much worse.”
Tommy Fury has not fought for nearly a year since beating KSI last November (
Getty Images)
Support came from Molly-Mae, who stayed loyally by Fury’s side, eager to provide any assistance; yet despite her efforts, he admits his mindset was ‘shot’, slipping into darkness, beyond anyone’s reach.
The Brit recollects how unrelenting public scrutiny made him virtually a recluse: “I came off social media and I rarely went out in public because I would get heckled in the street,” adding somberly, “When I did leave the house, all those things were said in person, to my face. I’m not sure how people would have the audacity to do this, but they do. While it was a red rag to a bull, there was nothing I could do about it.”
After the highly-anticipated bout was cancelled, Fury and Paul ultimately put their differences to rest in 2023. The British boxer emerged victorious, winning by split decision against the American in a closely contested match in Saudi Arabia.
Following his victory, ‘TNT’ expressed relief, stating that a significant burden had been lifted. “Everything flashed before my eyes,” he added. “The broken ribs, being denied access to the States, the online abuse, depression, drinking, hard graft, not being around enough for Molly and leaving my new baby – and, in that moment, it all paid off.”
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