5 of Tyson Fury’s most memorable fights as he announces latest retirement

Two-time world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his latest retirement from boxing.

Here, the PA news agency looks at five of Fury’s most memorable fights, following a decorated career in which he won 34 of his 37 contests, losing only to Ukrainian rival Oleksandr Usyk twice.

Few gave the young British upstart much of a chance against another Ukrainian in Klitschko, who came into the bout unbeaten in 11 years and with 19 successful defences as world champion. However, he was deposed as WBA, IBF and WBO titlist by Fury, who proved too slick and elusive across 12 scrappy rounds.

Fury was again the underdog in his first serious test after 30 months out of action. He survived being dropped in the ninth then rose to his feet – resembling WWE wrestler The Undertaker – after seemingly being knocked out in the 12th to hear the final bell. Fury seemed the superior boxer in many, if not all, of the other rounds but was denied a victory for the ages and Wilder’s WBC title by the judges.

Wilder’s reputation as one of the hardest all-time heavyweight hitters held no fear for Fury. Deciding his best course of action was to bully the bully, Fury used his 40-plus pound weight advantage to back up Wilder, sending him crashing to the canvas in rounds three and five. The American was put out of his misery when his corner threw in the towel as Fury claimed victory by a means no one saw coming.

A trilogy no one wanted – and only mandated by an arbitration judge – produced a jaw-dropping epic, featuring five knockdowns but with Fury still on top of the world. Fury looked set for an early night when he put down Wilder in the third but was then dropped twice in the next round by Wilder’s trademark big right hand. Fury wore his opponent down and ended their rivalry with a chopping right of his own.

The undisputed heavyweight title was on the line for the first time of the century – and first in the four-belt era. Fury, who boasted significant height, reach and weight advantages, looked to be in control at the halfway point after sustained body attacks buckled his foe. But Usyk stormed back, with Fury given a standing count at the end of the ninth and saved by the bell after being sent reeling around the ring. A barnstorming finish ensued but Usyk was given the nod on the judges’ scorecards.