Tyson Fury has admitted his biggest fear is "failing as a parent" rather than the dangers associated with boxing.
The 'Gypsy King' has faced some huge battles inside the boxing ring where he has defeated the likes of Deontay Wilder, Wladimir Klitschko and Dillian Whyte. During his time in the limelight, Fury has faced some significant hurdles outside of the ring including his battle with mental health problems, in addition to balancing his life as a boxing star alongside being a parent to his six children.
Fury has spent significant time at home after initially retiring following his win over over Whyte in April. However he has found it difficult taking time away from boxing and will now return to the ring on December 3 when he takes on Derek Chisora at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While on his recent tour, Fury had a conversation with a young fan which brought back memories of his newborn baby daughter Athena falling ill in hospital last year while he was attempting to train for his trilogy with Wilder. "Recently I went on a meet-and-greet tour where I found myself answering all sorts of questions about my life," he wrote in his latest book Gloves Off.
"A little boy came over. He looked up at me and said, ‘What’s your biggest fear, what are you afraid of?’ I crouched down to talk at his level. . After thinking about it for a little while I addressed the room and said, ‘The answer to that little boy’s question is: I ain’t afraid of nothing. But if there’s one thing that worries me, it’s failing as a parent.’ It is true.
"Raising a family is a massive responsibility, and much bigger than I’d ever imagined it could be. Athena’s illness had been a reminder of that, but there have been plenty of others, and aside from the usual stresses and scares that come from caring for a family, Paris and I have experienced a number of miscarriages. They were incredibly painful.
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"I’ve also learned that the world appears to be a more dangerous place when there are kids to care for. Watch the news if you don’t believe me: story after story about murderers, thieves, perverts and abusers. It has made me so much more protective." Fury then discussed his plans for the future insisting his children will always come first alongside his ambition to retire as an undefeated fighter in the ring.
"From the start I knew it was important to be focused and present when bringing up my kids the right way because life has taught me that a person without a target is unlikely to achieve much," he continued. "Raising the Fury kids the right way is my destination point, as is finishing my career undefeated."
