The meaning behind Tyson Fury's cryptic message in his shocking retirement video has been revealed.
Fury, 36, shocked the boxing world by announcing he was leaving the sport in a social media video to his fans on Monday.
In the video, which appears to have been recorded on a mobile phone while Fury is in his car, Gypsy King makes reference to Dick Turpin, an 18th century thief based in Essex.
“Hey everyone, I'm going to make this short and sweet,” Fury said. 'I would like to announce my retirement from boxing. It has been wonderful, I have loved every minute.
'I'm going to finish this… Dick Turpin was wearing a mask. God bless you all, see you on the other side. GET UP!'
Fury was expected to return to the ring this year in a successful showdown against his old rival Anthony Joshua, following his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia last month.
Tyson Fury dramatically announced his retirement from boxing with immediate effect
Fury last fought in December when he was defeated by Oleksandr Usyk by unanimous decision.
The phrase “Dick Turpin was wearing a mask” is often used by people who believe they are being robbed or scammed, and some have interpreted Fury's reference in the video as a shot at Joshua and his side during negotiations for a showdown in the Battle of Britain. .
Many have suggested that Fury is hinting that he is unhappy with AJ's team, while he could be trying to get a bigger share of any potential purse.
Turpin, executed at the age of 33 in 1739, was most closely associated with highway robberies. He became famous for robbing stagecoaches while on horseback and was involved in a gang of Essex deer thieves.
Shortly after the news broke, Hearn joined those who had questioned the authenticity of Fury's announcement and insisted he was not sure he believed the former world champion.
“I think if you no longer have the courage for it and you don't want to compete anymore, I think retiring is the best option,” he said.
“It's obviously disappointing for British fight fans because I think we've got the chance to make the biggest fight in boxing, but if this is the last we see of him, he's had a great career.”
'I doubt it, but you know it's always better to retire to make sure someone pays you to get out of retirement.
“But if that's his luck, then I have a lot of respect for him and I wish him all the best.”
Fury's announcement comes after he was expected to fight rival Anthony Joshua in 2025.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said he had “doubts” about whether Fury was being genuine about his retirement.
Fury had previously retired in 2022 after beating Dillian Whyte, saying he was “finished”.
The Gypsy King has seven children with his wife Paris, whom he met when they were both teenagers.
When asked further about his “doubts”, Hearn added: “I think if I was looking for the right deal I would walk away too.”
“But I can't speak for him, that's exactly what I would do.” It's a natural play, but maybe that's his luck, but I don't know, I don't know him well enough to really comment on it.
“He's the man who can make his own decisions and, like I said, it's not the kind of sport you want to play if his heart is no longer in it.”
“And if his heart is no longer in it, it's the right decision for him.” Hopefully that's not the case and we can see AJ's fight and if not, I wish him all the best.”
Fury's fight with Joshua has long been discussed but has not materialized, although rumors circulated on social media earlier this month that a fight had finally been agreed.
Joshua had stated that a fight with Fury “had to happen” this year, while Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh similarly expressed his support for the showdown.
Joshua had given more credence to the fight a few weeks ago when he said: “2025, my goal is Tyson Fury.”
Earlier on Monday, Hearn revealed he had booked Wembley Stadium for the fight potentially taking place in “May or June” but admitted it all came down to whether Fury wanted it after the loss to Usyk.
Others have interpreted the Dick Turpin reference to refer to Fury's loss to Usyk.
'Yeah. We hope to return to the ring in May or June. “If it ended up being July, it doesn't really matter,” Hearn said at the Ring Awards when asked if he had booked a date at Wembley.
'I still think it depends on Tyson Fury. Until the dust settles on the defeat and where he is at mentally and what he wants to do, that's where we'll really find out.
“Because when you look at the options, what else are you going to do and who else are you going to fight?”
Others have suggested that the reference to Dick Turpin was referring to the manner of his loss to Usyk on December 21. The Gypsy King insisted that he had won the fight, despite losing by unanimous decision.