Just three minutes away from claiming Deontay Wilder’s WBC world heavyweight title, 30-year-old Tyson Fury was floored in the 12th round.
I fought back from thinking about suicide, mental health, depression, anxiety
Once he hit the canvas, Fury beat the referee’s count and stumbled back on to his feet, to finish the match in a draw, with a score of 115-111, 114–112, 113-113.
After the match, Tyson Fury — who lost 142lbs for his bout with Deontay Wilder — said that his incredible recovery from Wilder’s combination in the 12th round was to “represent” anyone and everyone suffering from mental health.
During the news conference in Los Angeles, Fury said “I am not a special human being. I am a normal man. I wasn’t just down for me and my family, I was representing people with mental health problems around the world. I had to continue and carry on.”
Related video: Why Anthony Joshua Stands to Benefit, Regardless of Who Wins Wilder vs. Fury Rematch
Continuing, Fury admitted “I fought back from thinking about suicide, mental health, depression, anxiety. I wanted more than anything to show the world it can be done. Anything is possible with the right mindset.”
Even Deontay Wilder was awe-struck. “I thought I had him out of there. Right hand, followed with a left hook. I saw his eyes roll into the back of his head,” he said. “I was like ‘it’s over’. Only God knows how he got back up.”
After the match, Tyson Fury continued the narrative onto his Instagram account. “A while back now I was knocked down and was as low as many man can go, struggled with many problems, but I persevered, and I got up, last night I was there to show others who have been knocked down and in a similar position that if we stay strong, keep faith, we can get up and come back. I was knocked down last night and if at any moment you thought I wasn’t getting up you don’t know me. And for those that have been knocked down in life, that was for you!”
It has been well documented that Tyson Fury has been battling personal demons for some time now, including suicide, depression, and substance and alcohol misuse. To reach this point in his career and to draw in a match like this shows incredible discipline, fortitude, resilience and determination.
“It’s an iconic comeback, isn’t it?”, he said. “And if I can come back from where I’ve come from then you can do it too. So, get up, get over it and let’s do it. Seek help, and let’s do it together as a team. I did it for you guys.”
Other sports people including Rio Ferdinand, Lennox Lewis and Carl Froch shared their thoughts on Fury’s incredible story.
