Tyson Fury was speaking exclusively to boxing podcast, RAW: The Fight Within
The episode is available to download via all major streaming platforms on Boxing Day
World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says communication is the key for anybody struggling with mental health issues, and the undefeated fighter has also opened up about the daily battles he continues to face.
Fury is the latest guest to feature on boxing podcast, RAW: The Fight Within, hosted by iFL TV’s Kugan Cassius, with the episode set for release on Boxing Day.
In an open and honest discussion, Fury details some of the struggles he faces in his life, despite all of the success he has enjoyed inside the ring.
When asked if he can remember a time when he was fighting a losing battle, Fury says:
“That’s like asking Mr Kipling if he has a cake mix. Most days. Even now. I’m in a constant battle of losing battle, can’t be bothered, what’s the point? Daily. It’s up and down all the time. One minute I’ll be happy, singing a song, and the next minute I feel like what am I doing? Why am I doing this? What am I here for?
“So, I’m in a constant battle, rollercoaster (going) up and down all the time, and I have to try and keep it off with a long stiff jab. Sometimes I find it really difficult and sometimes I can box the face right off it, like my opponents in the ring. It’s very difficult. The mental struggle that I continue to go through day in, day out, year in, year out, is harsh, and it will bring the toughest, badddest men on the planet to their knees and make them cry like little girls.”
Fury’s struggles with mental health, alcohol and drugs in the past have been well documented, and the 34-year-old has admitted he has bipolar disorder, a mental health condition which can cause extreme mood swings and depression.
In the podcast, he explains why training and routine are the most effective ways of keeping him in a good place mentally.
“It’s all mental” Fury tells RAW: The Fight Within. “I don’t have any physical battles, none. The physical side of life is pretty easy. I know what I need to do. I have to get up nice and early, get the kids to school, go to the gym for an hour, come back, have a shower, have some breakfast, pay some bills, do some jobs, go to the tip. Sort a few things out, feed and water the dog.
“Pick the kids up, drop them off, gym, home, shower, bed, repeat. That’s basically my life. The odd show here and there. Odd interview and that’s it. But like I say, I’m up and down all the time and the only way I can control it is by training. Because when I’m in the gym, and zoned in on what I’m doing, and focused solely on training for that hour or however long I’m in there for, then I’m there to do that and I don’t think about anything else. But while I’m not busy, I’m thinking about s**t and I’m up and down.”
While Fury regularly speaks out about his own struggles in a bid to help others, and the importance of mental health has never been highlighted more than it is today, he still believes there is a lot of work to be done.
According to Fury, communication is undoubtedly the most important factor.
“For men under 40, the biggest killer is suicide, mental health,” he says. “Do we do enough? Well, I never shut up about it and there’s a lot of people like me, high performance sports people, famous people, who have started talking about it. I think it’s at the highest moment that it’s ever been at, which is still not enough because there are still people taking their lives.
“Talking and communication is the answer. I’m working with the charity Talk Club, and it’s a charity where there are people on the phone who can speak to people about problems and whatever they want to do, and it’s only one phone call away. Help is out there, all you need to do is ask, but sometimes asking is the hardest thing.
“It’s like, say 10 years ago, it wasn’t as accessible as it is today. There wasn’t mental health at work stuff, and it wasn’t identified as an illness, as a problem. It was a bit of an embarrassing subject. But now it’s at the forefront. There are mental health days, awareness days, months, years, whatever. It’s very out there now but I think the more we talk about it, the more lives will be saved.
“There are a lot of people out there who struggle in silence and they don’t need to do that. Even if you don’t want to speak to a doctor or a professional, speak to someone you know. Speak to your pal, your wife, your girlfriend, your girlfriend’s dog, anyone.
“Communication and speaking about something are the answer to everything, whether it’s mental health, relationship issues, buying something, a business deal. Whatever it is you’re doing in your life, communication is the key, no matter what.”
You can hear the full interview with Fury on episode five, season two of Raw: The Fight Within, available via all major streaming platforms and iFL TV’s YouTube channel, from Monday December 26.
The second season of the podcast has already featured Eddie Hearn, Ben Davison, David Diamante and Anthony Yarde, while stars such as Amir Khan, Darren Barker, Kalle Sauerland, Ebanie Bridges and Sunny Edwards featured in season one.
Raw: The Fight Within is available to download via Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Google, Podbean, Pod.co, Acast, Listen Notes, Podbay FM, Audible, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart and Player FM.
You can find out more about Talk Club here
