FURY is a name synonymous with boxing, which is largely down to the guidance of the patriarch of the famous fighting family, John.
Here we take a deeper look at the father of Tyson and Tommy — his life, time in prison and boxing career.
SplashFormer boxer John Fury is the head of the famous Fury fighting family[/caption]
Who is John Fury?
John Fury — known by his nickname “Gypsy John” — was born in Tuam, Galway, Ireland into a family of Irish Traveller heritage.
“I’m a travelling man. I was born in a caravan,” he declares in the family’s Netflix show, At Home With The Furys.
“Gimme me caravan, gimme me dog, gimme me family and let me get in the middle of that field where I belong.”
By the age of five, he had his first fight with a “much older” boy that left him “ripped to pieces” and “wet through with blood”.
In 2021, he told the Disruptors With Rob Moore podcast: “I remember it because I was entangled in barbed wire…
“I got wrapped up in barbed wire and was ripped to pieces… I remember I thought, ‘Me mam’s going to kill me’ because I tore me jumper.
“I was more scared of me mam because I ripped me clothes on barbed wire and I was wet through with blood.”
John later relocated to Manchester due to a lack of jobs in his homeland.
He is a former professional boxer and bareknuckle fighter.
Fury’s professional boxing career spanned eight years and in total, he was involved in 13 bouts.
He made his professional debut on April 28, 1987, when he lost to rugby league player Adam Fogerty in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
From there Fury went on to win his next six fights until a draw with David Hopkins in Helsinki on February 13, 1989.
After that Fury rebounded with wins against Michael Murray, a future British title challenger and Cesare Di Benedetto, a future Italian title challenger.
He was rewarded by a shot at the vacant Central Area title against Neil Malpass but lost on points.
However in his next fight he suffered a KO loss against future WBO champion Henry Akinwande.
This loss was followed by a four year absence from the ring until Fury returned against former opponent Steve Garber in Manchester in 1995 — he was knocked out again inside four rounds.
How many children does John Fury have?
Fury has welcomed six children during his life, which includes two-time heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury, who he named after Mike Tyson.
He’s also dad to professional boxer and reality star Tommy Fury.
Fury’s other children are Roman, Hughie and Shane.
His only daughter, Ramona, tragically passed away months after birth.
When was John Fury in prison?
In 2011, Fury was found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm for gouging a man’s eye out in a brawl in 2010.
He was handed an 11-year sentence.
The victim was left half-blind after a 12-year dispute erupted in violence at a car auction in 2010.
He was released from prison in February 2015.
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