I’ve known the risks my whole life
FURY’S BRUTAL TRUTHS AFTER DEATH OF LAWAL
from MARTIN DOMIN in Riyadh TYSON FURY last night spoke of the dangers all boxers face after the death of debutant Sherif Lawal.
London-based Lawal, 29, was rushed to hospital on Sunday after collapsing during his professional bow in Harrow, West London.
He had been knocked down in the fourth round of a middleweight bout by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela before being treated by paramedics.
Lawal was later pronounced dead and Fury paid tribute as he said: “God rest his soul.”
Fury takes on fellow world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in their longawaited unification fight on Saturday.
But he revealed he has long accepted his own fate could be decided over 12 rounds.
“You know getting into this sport that it’s dangerous,” he said. “You go in there and get paid danger money, you’re getting your brains knocked out.
“You’re not there to tickle each other to death, we’re there to inflict damage on each other by punching each other to the head and body.
“Unfortunately things like this happen now and again, we all know what we’re getting in for.
“It’s like people who do parachute jumping, now and again the parachute doesn’t open and they hit the floor. But it doesn’t stop everyone from parachute jumping.
“I’ve known the risks my whole life, it is what it is. If it’s my time and it’s God’s will, then I’ll die. If not, I’ll live. I can’t tempt fate. I can’t decide what happens in the future or worry about it either.”
Fury has the opportunity to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years when he faces Usyk in Saudi Arabia.
He has fought 230 rounds over 35 professional fights and been knocked down seven times.
‘The Gypsy King’ was sent to the canvas on four occasions by one of the most concussive punchers in history in Deontay Wilder. But he plans to fight another 10 times, despite the risks.
Speaking before the news of Lawal’s death, he said: “I believe every time you go in the ring you leave with less than you had when you went in.
“It takes a little bit more out of you, but it’s a good job – I live for today and don’t think about the future.
“I remember when I became novice champion in under 10 fights, that was a big moment for me. Then when I became senior champion that was a big moment, then English, British, European champion… so I suppose this is a big moment also.
“I’m not too concerned about the negative stuff about staying around and boxing. If it’s 10 fights over the next five years, then I want them quickly.”