Controversial British heavyweight Tyson Fury has opened up about his battle with mental health issues. Photo / Getty
Controversial British heavyweight Tyson Fury has opened up about his battle with mental health issues. Photo / Getty
On the surface, Tyson Fury cuts an imposing figure. But what lies beneath the skin of the 30-year-old boxing phenomenon is truly something to behold.
In a gut-wrenching tell-all with UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan, Fury delved into the darkest corner of his career, reflecting on his attempt to take his own life.
The Englishman rose to rock star levels of fame early in his life, decimating the upper echelon of the heavyweight division while in his twenties. The Manchester product produced one of the great moments in the sport's history in 2015, taking down Wladimir Klitschko to claim the unified WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight belt.
Fury claimed victory via unanimous decision and ended the Ukrainian legend's 10-year reign atop the heavyweight pyramid.
Fury revealed how he descended into a crushing period of depression after taking out his biggest career goal at age 27.
He said he was "ready to die" in the months after claiming his championship.
"It wasn't until after the Klitschko fight — a very massive high — that I had to avert to an even worse low. The lowest low that anyone could ever have," he said.
"I'd wake up and think, 'Why did I wake up this morning?' And this is coming from a man who won everything. Money, fame, glory, titles, a wife, family and kids — everything.
"But I felt as if I had nothing, a gaping hole that was just filled with gloom and doom."
Fury's monumental triumph over Klitschko came with its own set of problems, throwing another spanner in the mix as he battled a personal crisis.
He was stripped of his IBF belt seven days after his victory because of a rematch clause with the Ukrainian. Fury claimed the IBF "didn't expect him to win" and stripped him because he refused to enter negotiations for a fight with mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov.
He was simply too big and unpredictable for the boxing game.
Fury takes in Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas on December 2. Photo / Getty
"But I didn't have the desire to fight. The fire wasn't burning," Fury continued.
"I was depressed as depressed could be on a daily basis. Some people will say I was attention seeking or whatever, but unless you've experienced what I'm saying it's impossible to understand."
Fury said his situation went from "bad to worse" as he descended into a life of drugs, alcohol and partying in an effort to numb his depression.
"I hit the drugs. I was out with women of the night and not coming home. I didn't care about boxing or living, I just wanted to die," he said.
"The worst thing someone suffering with their mental health [can do] is get into drugs and alcohol."
Fury retired at 27, becoming the just the second champion in heavyweight history to leave the ring undefeated.
"I was going to strip clubs and bars, everything," he said. "I had this emptiness inside where I [still] wanted to fight."
Fixated by this Tyson Fury appearance on Rogan. I was around him last year at what I think was his worst period. Listening to how he bounced back and his mindset is absolutely essential listening.
"I was in it on the highway and at the bottom, I got the car up to 190mp/h (305km/h) and heading towards a bridge.
"I didn't care about nothing, I just wanted to die so bad. I gave up on life but as I was heading to the bridge I heard a voice saying, 'No, don't do this Tyson, think about your kids, your family, your sons and daughter growing up without a dad.'
"Before I turned into the bridge I pulled onto the motorway, I didn't know what to do, I was shaking, I was so afraid.
"I said I'd never think about taking my own life again."
Fury returned to the ring in June 2018, defeating Sefer Seferi before taking down Francesco Pianeta.
His next target is undefeated US star Deontay Wilder, who will touch gloves with Fury in Los Angeles on December 2.
