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Behind the Mask: My Autobiography
A Manchester lad from Irish Traveller stock, born three months premature and weighing just a pound at birth, Tyson (named after his father’s boxing hero) grew up to become one of the most unlikely heavyweight champions in history. This ‘dream come true’ soon turned to nightmare, however, as alcohol and cocaine abuse took hold and Tyson was stripped of his titles. What followed was the darkest moment of his life – detailed in this book for the first time – in which he came within seconds of ending everything.
THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPION.
Like all the greatest stories, though, there is redemption and Tyson defies all the odds and literally drags himself to his feet. 10 million people around the globe watched Fury fight Wilder in the biggest fight of the boxing calendar. Speaking candidly about his struggles with mental health, this is Tyson Fury as you have never seen him before.
A BRITISH ICON.
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289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2019
375 people are currently reading
2499 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
July 26, 2025
A truly great book. I always make how good an autobiography is if I feel I become a bigger fan of the person after I finished the book than I was when I started the book. In the case of this book, I was that was done by the time I finished the introduction.
Tyson Fury is a great boxer and an even greater person. When reading an autobiography, it becomes obvious very quickly if the book has been ghost written or the author is being less than honest. Tyson is honest about all his faults and successes. His highs and lows.
Whether you like him or not, you will have heard of Tyson Fury. This book is about the obstacles he has faced in the ring, backroom politics, and much more importantly in life. Tyson's openness about his mental health issues and his overcoming them is inspiration, but what he tries to tell everyone is there is no magic cure it is an ongoing daily struggle. He does not come across as some to an admiration from a far on his much he has accomplished, but someone leading the way for others.
He goes on to Tyson's family life, his beliefs, his failures, his successes, and his will to keep in fighting. The best and most used manifestation of this is his seeming return from the dead raise in the 12th round against arguably the hardest hitter currently in the heavyweight division.
This is a great story with hopefully much more to come. Tyson Fury has a great ability to reach people and inspire them. There is plenty about boxing, but what a lot of people do not realise the mental discipline needed to become a success as well as not to become a victim of success as well. Tyson has many oars in the water currently. 2020 looks like a big year for him, whichever direction he decides to go. If you want the story so far, get this book.
Tyson Fury is a great boxer and an even greater person. When reading an autobiography, it becomes obvious very quickly if the book has been ghost written or the author is being less than honest. Tyson is honest about all his faults and successes. His highs and lows.
Whether you like him or not, you will have heard of Tyson Fury. This book is about the obstacles he has faced in the ring, backroom politics, and much more importantly in life. Tyson's openness about his mental health issues and his overcoming them is inspiration, but what he tries to tell everyone is there is no magic cure it is an ongoing daily struggle. He does not come across as some to an admiration from a far on his much he has accomplished, but someone leading the way for others.
He goes on to Tyson's family life, his beliefs, his failures, his successes, and his will to keep in fighting. The best and most used manifestation of this is his seeming return from the dead raise in the 12th round against arguably the hardest hitter currently in the heavyweight division.
This is a great story with hopefully much more to come. Tyson Fury has a great ability to reach people and inspire them. There is plenty about boxing, but what a lot of people do not realise the mental discipline needed to become a success as well as not to become a victim of success as well. Tyson has many oars in the water currently. 2020 looks like a big year for him, whichever direction he decides to go. If you want the story so far, get this book.
June 3, 2023
Something I wouldn't normally read, but hit a bit of a wall with reading recently and non-fiction always seems to be the leg-up to get me over. And it worked.
Lapped this up in a couple of days. Phenomenal story from the heavyweight champion boxer. Proper raw, candid and relatable in so many ways.
The fact this man openly speaks about his mental health troubles amidst the nature of his upbringing and line of work is inspiring.
While a lot of the technicalities of boxing went over my head, it's his pure authenticity and rawness that draws you in.
His seemingly perpetual battle with bi-polar and depression, raising a large family, numerous personal tragedies, sheer grit and determination, and all while competing at the highest level. He also dispels the many myths surrounding traveller communities which is always a win-win.
Would definitely recommend
Lapped this up in a couple of days. Phenomenal story from the heavyweight champion boxer. Proper raw, candid and relatable in so many ways.
The fact this man openly speaks about his mental health troubles amidst the nature of his upbringing and line of work is inspiring.
While a lot of the technicalities of boxing went over my head, it's his pure authenticity and rawness that draws you in.
His seemingly perpetual battle with bi-polar and depression, raising a large family, numerous personal tragedies, sheer grit and determination, and all while competing at the highest level. He also dispels the many myths surrounding traveller communities which is always a win-win.
Would definitely recommend
April 22, 2020
Nothing much to have in this book, if I could say that I saw behind the mask. As an absolutely vocal fighter, Tyson Fury didn't hold from anything to express throughout his career. So this book won't make a difference. Certainly an average book by an amazing fighter and great human.
February 26, 2020
A cracking book on so many levels.
The story of Tyson Fury is super relevant and the themes he highlights about the sport and mental illness are fascinating and important insights. It reads brilliantly and flows in a natural way and was released at a brilliant time.
The story of Tyson Fury is super relevant and the themes he highlights about the sport and mental illness are fascinating and important insights. It reads brilliantly and flows in a natural way and was released at a brilliant time.
November 28, 2019
It’s hard to believe that a man who is so confident, outspoken and above all else the lineal heavyweight champion of the world could be brought to his knees by depression. This Biography my the man himself just shows that no matter who you are mental health issues and depression should never be taken likely and makes you aware that even warriors like Tyson Fury are not invincible.
This book was a great bend of fun and misery with Tyson going into detail of some of his antics he has carried out during his time in boxing and at times it lead me to laughing to myself reminiscing on his funny moments( the Batman costume is my personal favourite and also the sauna battle with Wlad). Fury notes that growing up he was a quiet lad by nature and that he almost created this larger than life character to gain more mainstream media to help progress his career which is common in boxing as people need to care to come see you.
As fun as this book was at times it was also very in-depth into Tyson’s mind and how even from a early age he was plagued by a darkness that shrouded him and he has been able to dampen it through his faith in God plus his sheer will power as well. It was saddening for me to hear of what he had to go through, more so for me as I have always been a huge fan and his over confident fearless like attitude I aspired to have. And yet after hearing all this I still admire him, mostly for his honestly to be so open on his own depression and it is a true sign of the toughness of the man. His story is truly remarkable. To think he had been so much over weight and he had to lose it all in just order to get back in the ring. He shortly after this proceeded to face arguably the heaviest hitting man in boxing ever, taking his biggest shots and getting up off the canvas in the process. That for me has to be the one of, if not the greatest sporting comeback story of all time.
Even if you aren’t a fan of boxing I still believe there is without a doubt a reason for you to read to this book so you realise that being depressed is normal and the thoughts you have others have faced and conquered. If the lineal heavyweight champion, the Gypsy king done it so can all of us. I salute you Tyson and thank you for shining awareness of what could be mankind’s greatest nemesis, his own mind.
This book was a great bend of fun and misery with Tyson going into detail of some of his antics he has carried out during his time in boxing and at times it lead me to laughing to myself reminiscing on his funny moments( the Batman costume is my personal favourite and also the sauna battle with Wlad). Fury notes that growing up he was a quiet lad by nature and that he almost created this larger than life character to gain more mainstream media to help progress his career which is common in boxing as people need to care to come see you.
As fun as this book was at times it was also very in-depth into Tyson’s mind and how even from a early age he was plagued by a darkness that shrouded him and he has been able to dampen it through his faith in God plus his sheer will power as well. It was saddening for me to hear of what he had to go through, more so for me as I have always been a huge fan and his over confident fearless like attitude I aspired to have. And yet after hearing all this I still admire him, mostly for his honestly to be so open on his own depression and it is a true sign of the toughness of the man. His story is truly remarkable. To think he had been so much over weight and he had to lose it all in just order to get back in the ring. He shortly after this proceeded to face arguably the heaviest hitting man in boxing ever, taking his biggest shots and getting up off the canvas in the process. That for me has to be the one of, if not the greatest sporting comeback story of all time.
Even if you aren’t a fan of boxing I still believe there is without a doubt a reason for you to read to this book so you realise that being depressed is normal and the thoughts you have others have faced and conquered. If the lineal heavyweight champion, the Gypsy king done it so can all of us. I salute you Tyson and thank you for shining awareness of what could be mankind’s greatest nemesis, his own mind.
December 30, 2019
If there would be a 3.5 star I would give it to this book. Some passages were really great - the description of some of his fights (eg the Klitscko fight), for example, and I also found his description of his mental health issues very moving, particularly the deep hole he sank in after the Klitschko fight. However, other parts were a bit repetitive and also slightly rushed - in particular from such a great boxer I would have hoped for some more technical or analytical passages, eg where did he see the weaknesses of his opponent or how he manages to adapt in a fight. But overall still very enjoyable.
October 27, 2021
He's a decent guy and glad that he coping well with mental health but I found it repetitive and hard to keep reading.
March 15, 2021
interesting autobiography of Tyson Fury and his career and his battles with Mental Health and battling his demons
November 26, 2020
This was a very interesting read, I've never been a big fan of him just from seeing his fights but I can see now I've judged him quite unfairly. There is alot more to him that it seems. The front he puts out to the public is not the real man underneath. He is so open and honest about his mental illnesses and how he has had to deal with them. Some very sad parts to read about too.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would and see him in a different light now.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would and see him in a different light now.
January 28, 2021
I found this to be a very honest story of Tyson’s battles inside and outside the boxing ring. I like boxing, I’m not a massive fan but I have been interested in Tyson Fury’s career in the last few years. I had a lot of respect for him before reading this autobiography and even more so now. Long live the Gypsy King!
May 26, 2020
Big let down. Very shallow story. No real insights into specifically how he overcame his demons or dropped the weight etc. Pretty much just a list of his fights and his description of how good he is at everything. I feel I could have got as much out of a Wikipedia read in 5 minutes.
September 10, 2023
A very open and honest book about the Gypsy Kings highs and lows, with a specific focus on his mental health. Definitely made me see Tyson in a different more positive light and I hope people who need the help are able to get it.
August 28, 2024
Super autobiography from beginning until the end, enjoyed all of it and would thoroughly recommend to others, especially those into sports and also who like the fury’s.
February 28, 2021
I find Tyson a fascinating and likeable man. His honesty about his mental health is commendable and the family relationships between himself and his family also were interesting. We all have estrangements within our families and that is quite normal so again, good that he mentions it and doesn’t brush it under the carpet to make it sound like a perfect family. He explains his traveller background well and how far back his boxing genes go.
I expected a little more from this book. It definitely details his huge comeback after his worse bout of depression, thoughts of suicide and weight gain positively; illustrating there is always hope, always help, always a way to move forward even when it seems utterly impossible.
I found the book jumped about in time a little bit and had hoped for more on his family life, such as his feelings at the arrival of each new child. He writes of his devastation at the babies sadly lost but doesn’t contrast that with the utter joy of the ones who came after.
I love that he dedicates so much to his wife Paris and their marriage is to be admired as they’ve gone through a huge amount in a short space of time. It would have been nice to have had a bit more about them, but ultimately, it is a boxing book and it serves that purpose excellently - the preparation and training involved, his showmanship and self-belief and he breaks down his thought processes during his fights really well.
Tyson is a character I enjoy watching on TV and his documentary showed what a complex character he is, but I feel the book lacked a little in comparison.
Nevertheless, it was a good read and I hope in time he writes another to cover the Wilder rematch and his preparation for the highly-anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua, plus the growth of his family.
I expected a little more from this book. It definitely details his huge comeback after his worse bout of depression, thoughts of suicide and weight gain positively; illustrating there is always hope, always help, always a way to move forward even when it seems utterly impossible.
I found the book jumped about in time a little bit and had hoped for more on his family life, such as his feelings at the arrival of each new child. He writes of his devastation at the babies sadly lost but doesn’t contrast that with the utter joy of the ones who came after.
I love that he dedicates so much to his wife Paris and their marriage is to be admired as they’ve gone through a huge amount in a short space of time. It would have been nice to have had a bit more about them, but ultimately, it is a boxing book and it serves that purpose excellently - the preparation and training involved, his showmanship and self-belief and he breaks down his thought processes during his fights really well.
Tyson is a character I enjoy watching on TV and his documentary showed what a complex character he is, but I feel the book lacked a little in comparison.
Nevertheless, it was a good read and I hope in time he writes another to cover the Wilder rematch and his preparation for the highly-anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua, plus the growth of his family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
Tyson’s book was crammed with knowledge, care and honesty from his wins with Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder to his personal life and of course Mental Health.
He showed not only his battles within the ring but outside of it too. Such honesty about Mental Health is desperately needed in todays world and hearing it from the heavy weight champion of the world is sure to help rid the stigma surrounding it. Especially the need to talk it about which Tyson echoes in his book. This empowerment is so influential and helpful for so many people old or young.
His honesty of the shady dealing and politics of the boxing world was an interesting read I had never thought of - or was aware of - before. Tyson described it in an interesting yet easy to understand way for a newbie like myself in the world of boxing.
His story detailing his humble upbringings right from his birth was a welcome read, drawing me into the life of the Gypsy King. He moved from each part of his life beautifully and ensured everything flowed well.
I especially liked hearing of his Irish and Traveller roots and what he liked and disliked in the Traveller community.
This was my first autobiography I read this year and honestly I can’t recommend it enough! 5/5 from me! An informative read!
He showed not only his battles within the ring but outside of it too. Such honesty about Mental Health is desperately needed in todays world and hearing it from the heavy weight champion of the world is sure to help rid the stigma surrounding it. Especially the need to talk it about which Tyson echoes in his book. This empowerment is so influential and helpful for so many people old or young.
His honesty of the shady dealing and politics of the boxing world was an interesting read I had never thought of - or was aware of - before. Tyson described it in an interesting yet easy to understand way for a newbie like myself in the world of boxing.
His story detailing his humble upbringings right from his birth was a welcome read, drawing me into the life of the Gypsy King. He moved from each part of his life beautifully and ensured everything flowed well.
I especially liked hearing of his Irish and Traveller roots and what he liked and disliked in the Traveller community.
This was my first autobiography I read this year and honestly I can’t recommend it enough! 5/5 from me! An informative read!
April 17, 2020
I very interesting insight to a man who has lost it all to getting it back and I mean his MH as a whole. Raw and beautiful we really can say this man is an inspiration to many. His true grit to claw back self respect and love of not only himself but his family and friends must be respected. It also shows others can do and you are not alone. An immensely sad at times read but enjoyable all at the same time.
November 18, 2019
Really great read. Interesting all the way through his story with good detail. You may find yourself on you tube watching some of the fights described in the book.
Definitely written by Tyson is his own voice and with a real open heart. Now to knock out Wilder the ‘big dosser’
Definitely written by Tyson is his own voice and with a real open heart. Now to knock out Wilder the ‘big dosser’
September 4, 2023
Interesting, beautifully written and inspiring.
This book not only shares his childhood, upbringing, amateur boxing, professional career and behind the scenes that we don't see.
But it also opens up a full conversation about Tyson's depression and OCD.
Very inspiring, raw and real.
This book not only shares his childhood, upbringing, amateur boxing, professional career and behind the scenes that we don't see.
But it also opens up a full conversation about Tyson's depression and OCD.
Very inspiring, raw and real.
December 9, 2019
Says a lot of nothing.
Not bad but pretty vague story telling.
Not bad but pretty vague story telling.
November 22, 2021
Past few months for me were a little tough both from the personal and professional angle and I was feeling the brunt of the same. I wasn't sure whether what I was going through was a phase of melancholy or full fledged depression but whatever it was, I knew it was eating me alive and I needed to think of ways to move on from this feeling and be cheerful again.
That is when I came across Tyson Fury's struggle with depression. You always expect people in the sports or entertainment field to be super secure about their lives and be happy. However, what we fail to understand is that no matter how rich or poor you are, how successful or unsuccessful you are, depression can hit you at any point in your life and is something which needs to be taken seriously. In a world, where people (especially men) are suppose to just brush things aside and move on with life, reading this heartfelt tale of depression from one of the best boxers in the world was very refreshing.
I really liked that Tyson didn't try to hide away or sugarcoat his problems and was willing to share the story of the highest of highs and lowest of lows in his life with all of us. His struggle to cope with his inner demons and the eventual triumph over them is indeed a very inspirational tale which I would recommend to everyone.
That is when I came across Tyson Fury's struggle with depression. You always expect people in the sports or entertainment field to be super secure about their lives and be happy. However, what we fail to understand is that no matter how rich or poor you are, how successful or unsuccessful you are, depression can hit you at any point in your life and is something which needs to be taken seriously. In a world, where people (especially men) are suppose to just brush things aside and move on with life, reading this heartfelt tale of depression from one of the best boxers in the world was very refreshing.
I really liked that Tyson didn't try to hide away or sugarcoat his problems and was willing to share the story of the highest of highs and lowest of lows in his life with all of us. His struggle to cope with his inner demons and the eventual triumph over them is indeed a very inspirational tale which I would recommend to everyone.
April 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this autobiography by Tyson “Gypsy king” Fury. There is so much Information about the fights and the lead up to them. I really enjoyed learning about his life as a child and always thought the travellers way of life was very interesting and in some ways ideal. I love how much Tyson talks about God and Jesus saved him. I can really relate to Tyson in a lot of things he says when he talks about his mental health battles as I have gone through similar and found this really helpful. I really recommend this one to everyone and specially if you are struggling with mental health issues as it really shows that depression/anxiety/OCD etc does not discriminate and you can have everything but still feel like everything is pointless. A really good book to make you not feel alone and to give you some reassurance that you can get better.
February 22, 2022
Very inspiring book. It’s made me want to dust off my old running shoes and get back out there, who am I kidding that’s definitely not going to happen.
In all seriousness I really enjoyed this autobiography. Tyson didn’t hold back at any moment and shared everything warts and all and that’s very commendable and brave.
I wouldn’t recommend this for non boxing fans but if your a fan of boxing or sports in general get on this book
In all seriousness I really enjoyed this autobiography. Tyson didn’t hold back at any moment and shared everything warts and all and that’s very commendable and brave.
I wouldn’t recommend this for non boxing fans but if your a fan of boxing or sports in general get on this book
September 5, 2021
Very interesting read!
Loved this book. It was interesting to follow his career and his battle with mental health which many men feel they cannot speak about! Found this really interesting and can't wait to see him fight again soon
Loved this book. It was interesting to follow his career and his battle with mental health which many men feel they cannot speak about! Found this really interesting and can't wait to see him fight again soon
May 5, 2021
Great story on resiliency. Tyson Fury goes behind his mask and expresses the highs and lows of his boxing career and personal life. He lives up to the 'Gypsy King' persona by overcoming the odds and depression to recapture gold, whilst fighting the daily battle against his mental health issues.
May 24, 2021
Tyson er fet
March 3, 2021
What an absolute legend this guy is. He's hilarious, hard working, honest and just a genuine person.
He's had some seriously hard times and he's not afaid to open up. Not just within his boxing career but also with his mental health.
Going from the highest of highs winning heavyweight championships to the lowest of the low with his depression, this book tells all.
It's an incredible story about his whole career where he started, how he started and who was there for him throughout. It also gives us an insight to his personal life with wife Paris (who I also love) and the heart break of miscarriages and marriage troubles. And most importantly about his depression and how he's come out the other end.
Even if you don't like boxing, you should read this autobiography, this guy is an inspiration.
He's had some seriously hard times and he's not afaid to open up. Not just within his boxing career but also with his mental health.
Going from the highest of highs winning heavyweight championships to the lowest of the low with his depression, this book tells all.
It's an incredible story about his whole career where he started, how he started and who was there for him throughout. It also gives us an insight to his personal life with wife Paris (who I also love) and the heart break of miscarriages and marriage troubles. And most importantly about his depression and how he's come out the other end.
Even if you don't like boxing, you should read this autobiography, this guy is an inspiration.
March 1, 2023
Was alright. A bit repetitive but overall decent book. Good insight on a professional athlete facing mental health issues while in the spotlight of fame
January 3, 2021
Tyson Fury ranks as one of boxing’s top personalities of the last 50 years among Ali, Duran, Tyson (Mike) and Mayweather.
At 6’9 and 270 lbs, you would expect the man to be a lumbering, mumbling, heavy-handed Sasquatch. But, watching him fight you would think he was a welterweight with his spry movement across the ring, smooth jab and ability to switch stances without giving his opponent the nod. And listening to him speak you would think he is a world class entertainer, whether it is rushing into a press conference dressed as batman, getting carried to the ring on a throne or serenading an audience after a win.
Much has already been said about Fury’s early years as heavyweight boxing’s heel, underdog defeat of HW boxing’s unified king Wladimir Klitschko, subsequent 3 year layoff leading to depression, addiction and extreme weight gain, all to come back and eventually fighting the boogeyman in Deontay Wilder and rising from the canvas in the 12th round.
All of that is here in his own words. What is left out are the contradictions of the man, the stories that change over time and any serious attempt to clear the air regarding accusations for the use of the substance Nandrolone. Which spurred his hiatus from the ring.
This could have been a great opportunity to clear the air. It seems the story of his hiatus and return seems to be so compelling that the public does not want to ask the hard questions and Fury seems to be in no rush to answer.
Regardless this does not take away from the mans world class ability or the fact that this is a fun read. Would recommend to sports fans everywhere.
At 6’9 and 270 lbs, you would expect the man to be a lumbering, mumbling, heavy-handed Sasquatch. But, watching him fight you would think he was a welterweight with his spry movement across the ring, smooth jab and ability to switch stances without giving his opponent the nod. And listening to him speak you would think he is a world class entertainer, whether it is rushing into a press conference dressed as batman, getting carried to the ring on a throne or serenading an audience after a win.
Much has already been said about Fury’s early years as heavyweight boxing’s heel, underdog defeat of HW boxing’s unified king Wladimir Klitschko, subsequent 3 year layoff leading to depression, addiction and extreme weight gain, all to come back and eventually fighting the boogeyman in Deontay Wilder and rising from the canvas in the 12th round.
All of that is here in his own words. What is left out are the contradictions of the man, the stories that change over time and any serious attempt to clear the air regarding accusations for the use of the substance Nandrolone. Which spurred his hiatus from the ring.
This could have been a great opportunity to clear the air. It seems the story of his hiatus and return seems to be so compelling that the public does not want to ask the hard questions and Fury seems to be in no rush to answer.
Regardless this does not take away from the mans world class ability or the fact that this is a fun read. Would recommend to sports fans everywhere.
January 18, 2023
much better than I thought. reasonably well detailed, the main character's voice is obvious and strong, and the mental health awareness information is presented better than in 99% of such accounts. fury is a likable showman, oddball past comments aside, and the book's a worthwhile and fast read, especially in light of the drubbing he just gave deontay wilder.
i discussed the book in this print piece for the washington examiner: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op...
i discussed the book in this print piece for the washington examiner: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op...
September 26, 2023
One of the best biographies of sportsmen. Fury is not only a heavyweight champion but also a mental health advocate. Coming out of depression he defeated champion heavyweight Deontay Wilder and made some news around the globe. I’m very much excited for his fight against Francis Ngannou. Good book you should read atleast one 🙏🏽
Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews