Tyson Fury’s ability to bounce back – from his return to boxing to picking himself up off the canvas against Deontay Wilder – has prompted huge reaction on social media.
The 30-year-old has previously discussed how his life spiralled out of control in 2015 after he defeated Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf to become WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion.
Having suffered with depression, alcoholism and drug addiction, Fury’s return to boxing and impressive performance in a draw with WBC world champion Wilder has inspired many.
And after the championship contest, the Briton made it clear who his performance was for.
If you watch anything today then make sure it's this short interview with Tyson Fury 🙌
30 seconds straight down the camera, straight from the heart of @Tyson_Fury… ♥️ pic.twitter.com/vgZOag6t3b
— BT Sport (@btsport) December 2, 2018
“It’s an iconic comeback, isn’t it?” Fury told BT Sport. “Two-and-a-half years out of the ring, 10 stone ballooned, mental health problems. I just showed the world tonight, everyone suffering with mental health, that you can come back and it can be done.
“Everybody out there who has the same problems that I’ve been suffering with, I did that for you guys.”
The world of sport was impressed with Fury’s performance and post-match words, with Rio Ferdinand and Lennox Lewis among those paying tribute to him.
As a sportsman what @Tyson_Fury has done tonight must be respected. What he has been through in his personal life, to put in a performance like that. 🙌🏽 #AJvFury
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 2, 2018
I just saw @Tyson_Fury come back from drugs, depression, two years of inactivity and massive weight loss to outbox the WBC Heavyweight champion, who was gifted a draw! In a rematch, I can only imagine that he will be even better prepared. #WilderFury2
— Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) December 2, 2018
After a truly inspirational journey back from drink, drugs & depression, @Tyson_Fury puts on a performance that will inspire millions! I thought he won the fight, but the draw means nothing. He’s already won. Congratulations mate! 👊🏼#sobriety
— Carl Froch MBE (@Carl_Froch) December 2, 2018
The man @Tyson_Fury is class https://t.co/xsh37EMAcp
— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) December 2, 2018
I’m in awe of @Tyson_Fury what an amazing human being.
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) December 2, 2018
Phenomenal performance from @Tyson_Fury last night especially when you consider where he was 18 months ago. 2019 will be interesting in the heavyweight division.
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) December 2, 2018
Absolutely Classy @Tyson_Fury you won the fight hands down yet helping others makes you a people’s champion! God Bless 🥊👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 https://t.co/C3WfNsJVLj
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) December 2, 2018
And Fury’s ability to turn things around for himself was on show during his bout against Wilder.
Once inside the ring, the Briton showed remarkable resolve to pick himself up off the canvas after a monstrous left hand from the American in the 12th round.
You don't get up from shots like this.
Unless you're @Tyson_Fury that is… 🤯 #WilderFury pic.twitter.com/qJgA7yaL9K
— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) December 2, 2018
Morning. If you missed the @Tyson_Fury v @BronzeBomber fight, here’s the highlights. #fury #wilder pic.twitter.com/ko0uRbsz2n
— Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) December 2, 2018
Fury rose with the count at nine after looking down and out, his recovery so unexpected that people started comparing him to WWE wrestler The Undertaker.
He got knocked out and got up like the undertaker
— Terence Crawford (@budcrawford402) December 2, 2018
Wow fury moving like the undertaker #wilderfury pic.twitter.com/hCzxHiQF3b
— J A V A Y N E (@Henry93__) December 2, 2018
Tyson Fury got up like the Undertaker in the 12th I was rattled
— Savage Dan (@Savage_Dan_) December 2, 2018
If I was Wilder and saw Fury get up like that I would have jumped out of the ring and run home.
— Romesh Ranganathan (@RomeshRanga) December 2, 2018
And one man who was impressed with Fury’s ability to complete the round was Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s promoter.
Big respect for Fury to get up there – got him winning this
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) December 2, 2018
Could a Joshua v Fury fight be next? Anything seems possible after another incredible chapter was written into the heavyweight division’s history.