Gloves Off: The Autobiography

by Tyson Fury

The No-Holds-Barred Autobiography Tyson pulls no punches in his most candid, comprehensive and entertaining book yet, which chronicles for the first time in full his inspirational story - the rise, the fall, and the rise again, which saw him come back from the brink of suicide to reclaim his heavyweight crown. Access-all-areas and full of never-before-told stories, Tyson looks back on his life and career to examine what's really defined him: his Travelling upbringing, his fighting family (including his dad John and his half-brother Tommy), his beloved wife Paris, his 6 beautiful children, his mental health battles, his faith, his boxing rivalries and the fights, pitfalls and challenges along the way. Tyson shares fascinating blow-by-blow accounts of his inspiring victories against Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte, his recovery from the depths of depression, and his journey to reclaiming his world heavyweight title. With revealing intimacy, Tyson also shares new sides to his character: in the weeks before the biggest fight of his career in 2021 the devoted father was sleeping on a hospital floor in intensive care tending to his new-born daughter Athena who was born premature and fighting for her life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

304 pages, Hardcover

Published February 10, 2023

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit dubious about reading Tyson Fury's third book or autobiography in as many years, but I enjoyed the book.

If you have read Behind the Mask a lot of the same information is here, but with the benefit of having time to reflect on everything that happened to Tyson throughout his life his early life/career, his breakdown and his second career. Right up to the Dillian Whyte fight.

Obviously, this books cover the fights that had not happened in the last books. In the same as Behind the Mask, Tyson tells his story his way and on his timeline. Also Tyson's thoughts on his "retirement".

The book finishes with some information on where people can find help for their mental help. Then statistics and bio-data on Tyson, his pro-boxing record, then the credits.

[Guy Strangways · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this second autobiography of Tyson fury focusing on his personal life, boxing career and achievements and fall downs and found it very interesting learning about him and his family/ squad.

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jury out for Fury. Fascinating insight into his mental health but very similar content as the last book (money spinner?) and repetitive. Back to Boxing please Tyson (hope you don’t read this review 🥊) 2.5

[Beryl Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a massive Tyson Fury fan and enjoyed this book - wasn’t so keen on Jake Wood narrating it but got used to him. Really love Fury’s story and what a character he is. He lives like a normal guy considering all the money he has.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Key to a good sports autobiography is that you get an insight into the real person and the key successes and failures information you didn’t know. Other than an insight into his faith and mental health problems, the rest just felt a usual story of I did this and that, which you already knew.

[Sophie Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looked every moment of this book

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it hes honest and raw fantastic

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Tyson. I love his books because I love the way he writes. So open and honest and since watching his struggles with mental health and how honest he is about that side of his life really made me appreciate him as a person a lot.

This book is written backwards, so detailing his career from now back to years ago. A lot of it has already been told in his previous books but it makes no difference because it's all relevant, and keeps you updated. Very enjoyable read and I always look forward to Tyson's book releases.

He is just a genuinely nice person despite what some people may think. Really good read.

[Tim Goldsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tyson Fury is a fascinating character who has lived an amazing life. One expects a multiple world boxing champ to be a chiseled specimen, but somehow this man who describes himself as a "dad-bod" has defeated many of those muscle-bound men.
You'll never read a book where the main character has a deeper sense of self-belief and confidence. Maybe that's what you need to compete at so high a level. That said, Tyson's self-confessed arrogance leads to a character who clearly interprets the thoughts and actions of others through the matrix of his own success story. This is quite jarring at times, as Tyson often belittles his competition and ascribes weakness to their character through some very subjective opinions.
Had this book been written by a third party, I suspect they would have been more aware of the regular contradictions that appear, with Tyson wanting to be both the hardest studier of the game, obsessing over detail, as well as the most relaxed free-wheeling guy who can train how he likes, eat how he likes and still come away with the victory.
Finally, I am thankful that Tyson is happy to be candid about his own battles with his mental health. It's great that he is open and honest about this, though I do wish he wouldn't use even this to push the barrow of his victory over all odds. It's OK not to be OK, but it's also OK to continue to struggle with something for the rest of your life.
If you don't boxing or tall poppies, then you'll find this book incredibly frustrating. Tyson expects each and every person on earth to be in awe of him. If you are a fan of the sweet science, however, it is undeniable that Fury is one of the greats, and it's fascinating to see what kind of mindset got him there!

[Radoslava Koleva · Rating 4 out of 5]

"By the time you put this book down, my next fight might already be on the cards. Maybe it's happening next week..." ---> Indeed :)

As we prepare for the Fury v Usyk II next Sat 21 Dec 2024, I was curious to learn a bit more about this character. And omg what a riveting read, and what an unusual character. I'm not a huge boxing fan so I didn't have much of the context before reading this book. What impresses me is the contrast between the basic brutality of his career and the depth of his existential reflections. Then sprinkle some funny full-of-emotion northerner slang-ish expressions and you've got a really engrossing read. No literary masterpiece by any means but I'd say whoever ghost-wrote this did an amazing job of capturing the personality and the tone of voice.

While Tyson Fury is at 1st glance a huge and simple guy who lives to dominate on the boxing ring by throwing powerful punches (and hence is unable to retire despite his countless attempts), the book reveals his morals and his outlook on life which are respectable and inspiring. Despite all stereotypes, he dares to be vulnerable and to say it all as it is. A great light read and a personality to look up to.

And what about the rematch next week, will we even things out??

[Lauren pavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this a while back just before the 'At home with the Furys' series aired on Netflix and started reading it in between other books but after popping out a couple of weeks ago and spotting the Gypsy Kings car It gave me a big ole nudge to crack on and finish this fantastic book.

This a very honest memoir that details Tysons trust in his faith and his mental health battles and also the struggles and sacrifices that both he and his family faced in becoming a champion.

This book concludes with providing information and a motivational message for any people struggling with their own health issues. Encouraging you that you can achieve anything if you are able to work for it.

❓Have you read any memoirs of sporting champions and if so what ones and what did you think?

[Andy Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a boxer who is a ran of Tyson Fury I was really excited about this book. It was advertised to me as Tyson explaining his struggles with mental health in relation to boxing which I thought would be good for me, as I too suffer with anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, Fury only touches on his mental health tangently and most of the book can simply be summed up as "I'm Tyson Fury and I'm fucking amazing."

Really disappointing.

[James Lindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always great to hear from the Big GK himself. He’s a mighty and furious legend, but soft and vulnerable, he shows this in his book and it’s really important to hear about this side. This book allowed me to make important reflections on my own faith and mental health, thank you for sharing your story Tyson. And happy retirement… for now.

[Rutger Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. The Gypsy King is my absolute number one favorite boxer, and one hell of a boxer he is. Reading how he experienced some of his big fights, is like watching it live (again). Aside from being a boxer, he is also a very well outspoken mental health advocate and one hell of a showman. Letting himself be carried on a throne inside Wembley for a big fight? nothing less than a king.

[Paddy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as ‘Behind the Mask’, any book that leaves me wanting to be a better person afterwards gets a 5 star review

Good guy, a little cocky & arrogant but who can blame him? He’s a toughest human in the world

[Jennie Sarah Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my thing at all really. Got through 125 pages but he could of just written ‘I love myself’ multiple times and it would have had the same effect! I applaud his self belief in those early pages of the book but I didn’t find it an interesting read at all. Sorry Tyson!

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down from the time I it up. I love Tyson and what he’s achieved against all the odds just shows what strong character he really is regardless of his mental health battles. I love how how he writes similar to the way he talks. Few do that and get away with it. Tyson does.

[Jordan-Glen Bradbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed Tyson Fury’s honesty on the highs and lows of his career. True showman who people either love or hate, you can only appreciate him more after reading this book. Love the insight into pre fights and his mindset and competitive drive.

[Daniel Mossop · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot better than I expected. It’s actually very uplifting a bit like a self help book. Gotta love his honesty about mental health. He doesn’t seem to really feel the need to hide anything or beat around the bush.

[James Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all three of Fury’s books and enjoy all of them at times some things get mentioned again but that’s good for new readers of his. I love the talk about his home life and mental health issues as well with the boxing

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincere and heartfelt book describing his ups and downs throughout his career and personal life . His openness about mental health was refreshing and resonated a lot . The final chapter has an inspiring and encouraging end 💚

[Ross P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge Tyson fury fan and have read his two others books and Paris fury book. It was similar too his other books and had some of the same stories in it but it did have some new material in it

[tracy fayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Patrick Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to 'Behind the mask' but a nice retrospective of Tyson's past and recent career.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and honest read by the great man. Good book. Enjoyed it.

[Zoe Urquhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got a lot of love and respect for this incredible human being. He's a mental health warrior and an advocate for mental health charities. Tyson you are a LEGEND!! Thank you ❤

[Kitty McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super, down to earth read. No airs and graces with Tyson.

[Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learnt some good things!!

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great raw andhonest insight into the life of "the champ"

[Ben Mawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great message that it's okay to not be okay. But in reality not sure I gained much from the book you wouldn't know if you followed his career at a surface level.