Then there is Joshua, and that era-defining fight. “If I can get past Makhmudov, get back to winning ways, then the world’s my oyster. He’s a dangerous man and it’s going to be a very tough fight.
“Listen, people are saying, oh, I could do this, I could do that. But I’m 37. I turned pro in 2008. Five years before the rest of these other boys even started boxing as pros. Only me and Derek Chisora are left from the class of 2008. By the time I get back in the ring, I’ll have had 16 months out.”
“It means I’ve got to be very careful. Inactivity is a killer for all fighters, and all great champions who came back after a long stint out of the ring struggled. I’ve not underestimated this man. I’m going in fully prepared and I’m looking forward to a challenge.”
‘I’m only interested in making my wife and God happy’
Three years ago, Fury was the catalyst for the Saudi Arabian venture into boxing. Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, called Fury the “diamond” of the heavyweight division.
“Yeah, [Cristiano] Ronaldo brought them to football and Tyson Fury brought them to boxing. And they’ve done well. They’ve spent a lot of money on boxing. They’ve made a lot of fights. All the big fighters have made plenty of dough out of it, which is what it’s about.”
In spite of the global fame, the small entourage around Fury has never really grown. It has always been family. There are now seven children, one of whom trains with him; his oldest daughter Venezuela is engaged. Having known Fury for almost 20 years, he has not really changed.
Fury says: “Today, you could live in a castle and drive a piece of s— and you’re a bum. But live in a tent and drive a Range Rover and you’re a somebody. It’s all backwards. I’m not interested in it.
“I’ve had stick for riding on budget airlines but why would I want to go and spend 30 grand on a three-hour flight when I can spend 130 quid? By the time we both get to Spain, private jet man has spent 30 grand and I’ve spent 130 quid. I’m only interested in making my wife and God happy. If I can do [those] two things, I’ve done good.
“My main priority is looking after my kids and enjoying what I’ve got and the people around me, which is a very small circle. I don’t have many hangers-on, and I never have.”