Tyson Fury isn’t backing down from the long-running war of words with Deontay Wilder, but he says he’s done engaging in what he views as an endless cycle of accusations.
The former heavyweight rivals are once again at odds after Wilder continued to claim he was cheated in his trilogy bouts with Fury—allegations that Fury says have crossed a line.
In an Instagram video posted on Thursday, February 5, Fury addressed Wilder’s ongoing claims, which have ranged from accusations of loaded gloves to conspiracy-level suggestions involving drugs and espionage.
Fury said he initially responded by sharing knockout footage from their fights but later deleted it after reconsidering his approach.
“I’m just sat here thinking about all the stuff that Deontay Wilder been saying recently,” Fury said. “Even me, I sort of got dragged into posting stuff… I’ve just deleted that, took it off my story because rather than retaliate and hate on somebody, this man really does have mental health issues. It’s evident to see.”
Fury added that he has no interest in continuing a public back-and-forth. “Rather than just go back and forward with him… I’m just going to pray for him and I’m going to ask God to help him,” he said. “The fights were won fair and square and that’s it.”
The comments reignite a rivalry that defined the heavyweight division for several years. Fury and Deontay Wilder first met in December 2018, battling to a controversial draw that left fans divided.
Fury then decisively shifted the narrative in their 2020 rematch, stopping Wilder in the seventh round to claim the WBC heavyweight title.
Despite those outcomes, Wilder has repeatedly refused to accept the results, continuing to suggest foul play years later. Fury, however, framed Wilder’s comments as a reflection of personal struggles rather than personal attacks.
“Tough times can make people do and say crazy things,” Fury said. “I know he’s been having a tough time with his personal life and his family and stuff, so it’s been very difficult times for Deontay Wilder. So whatever he says, I take it with a pinch of salt… We shared some great fights over the years and I pray for him, 100%.”