Why more fighters should follow Tyson Fury's approach toward legacy: "Going down in history is not very relevant to me"
Tyson Fury is set for a legacy-defining fight with Oleksandr Usyk this Saturday. Both men will put their undefeated records on the line to crown heavyweight boxing's undisputed king, with 'The Gypsy King' holding the division's WBC title, and Usyk holding the WBA (Retained, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring titles.
However, according to Fury, his legacy is the least of his concerns. He is instead interested in something more tangible: money. A glimpse at his career points to this sentiment being relatively consistent with his decisions. The unbeaten heavyweight has always prioritized a better paycheck over legacy.
Perhaps it is time for other boxers to do the same, especially given the physical demands of the sport.
The importance of Tyson Fury's record and outlook on his legacy
Boxing is a violent sport, such that one fight against an opponent willing to throw illegal rabbit punches can leave a fighter paralyzed for life, such is the case of Prichard Colón. So, why then, should Tyson Fury, or any boxer, give more importance to their legacy than their future?
To be spoken of highly in the sport feeds egos, not families, and Fury has been clear on what matters to him throughout his career. Somehow, he has managed to become boxing's biggest heavyweight draw without facing Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, until now.
Instead, he parlayed a divisive win over the powerful but under-skilled Deontay Wilder into a money-making rivalry, while everyone else fought for their legacies. Fury, however, remains the A-side during negotiations. He is synonymous with boxing and has been well-paid for his efforts.
What other people have to say about his decision-making means nothing to him. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, he said as much.
"I'm not interested in anybody else. I don't wanna be rated against anybody else. Going down in history is not very relevant to me. What happens in 60 years is none of my interest. What people say, think or care about is none of my interest."
To 'The Gypsy King,' it is all about the money. It's why he fought an inexperienced boxer like Francis Ngannou. He saw the dollar signs and crossover appeal.
"I'm here to get paid, get laid, and get out of here. That's all I'm interested in. Providing for me family, paying me bills, looking after me wife, and having a nice peaceful life."
It is an approach that most boxers ought to consider. The sport comes with health risks and life-changing damage.
Securing one's future should be fundamental, as doing so prevents fighters from taking part in comeback fights when they're well past their prime because they need the money.