Tommy Fury has reacted to the sad news that two of his ex-rivals have passed away.
The 10-0 younger brother of former two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been left ‘deeply saddened’ by the recent deaths of Paul Bamba and Genadij Krajevskij.
‘TNT’ scored a second-round stoppage win over Krajevskij, who was a 1-75 journeyman, when they clashed at the BT Sport Studio, London, England, in November 2020.
Two years later, Tommy Fury was supposed to fight Paul Bamba on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs Deji, but their clash was called off at the last minute due to a weight issue.
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Tommy Fury issues sad statement
Fury never got to rearrange his fight with Bamba, but it remained on the cards as the Puerto Rican boxer had racked up 14 consecutive wins and claimed a prestigious title before his death.
Unfortunately, on December 27, just days after picking up the biggest victory of his career and calling out Jake Paul, it was announced that Bamba had suddenly passed away at just 35 years old.
Earlier in the month, the boxing world mourned Krajevskij after his sudden death at 37.
“It’s deeply saddened me that recently the world lost two great fighters, Paul Bamba and Genadij Krajevskij- both past opponents of mine,” Fury wrote on his Instagram story.
“Paul and Genadij were both talented fighters and will leave a hole in the boxing world. Their passings, so close together has been very shocking and sad.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace champs.”
He added: “It’s scary how short life really is. One day, everything can be amazing and the next it can all change in an instant.
“As I head into 2025, I want to remember that and appreciate the little things. Life’s so unpredictable and we never know when it could be our last day. We have to live each day to the fullest.”
What’s next for Tommy Fury?
A hand injury kept Tommy Fury sidelined for the entire year in 2024.
The 25-year-old hasn’t fought since picking up a controversial unanimous decision win over YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI in October 2023.
Fury was supposed to make his return to the ring against former UFC contender Darren Till on a Misfits Boxing card set to take place in Manchester, England on January 18.
However, he recently withdrew from the fight after a wild press conference that saw Till threaten to use illegal strikes during his professional boxing debut.
“I can’t believe I’m writing this but I am now not fighting Darren Till on January 18th 2025,” Fury said.
“For the one simple reason being that Darren has stated over and over that he does not want to abide by professional boxing rules and that if he is losing the fight he will resort to kicking and other stupid MMA tactics.
“I am a professional boxer, I have been out of the ring for over a year and I wanted this to be a great BOXING fight for the fans. I have wasted weeks in training camp.
“We are working hard to get a new opponent and date. I promise to get a better opponent and better fight for you guys. Good news around the corner.”
Anthony Taylor has since been announced as the man who will face Till instead at Misfits X Series 20.
Fury is currently without a fight date or opponent as his lengthy hiatus from boxing seems set to continue during the first quarter of 2025.