Tyson Fury Stands By Trainer SugarHill Steward Following Father's Explosive Criticism
World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has publicly defended his trainer SugarHill Steward after his father John Fury launched a scathing attack, labeling Steward a "gym sweeper" who lives off his family's reputation. The 37-year-old fighter, currently preparing for his April 11 comeback bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, made clear that Steward remains an integral part of his team despite the family drama.
Family Tensions Surface Ahead of Crucial Comeback Fight
John Fury, who was in his son's corner during Tyson's first defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in May 2024, expressed fury with Steward's advice during that heavyweight title clash in Saudi Arabia. In a recent interview with Playbook Boxing, the 60-year-old father didn't hold back his criticism of the trainer's approach during the pivotal match.
"If I hadn't been in that corner, he'd have gone out in the 10th round trying to knock him out – throwing big punches. What kind of nonsense is that? What kind of Kronk-style rubbish is that?" John Fury told the publication. "He's no Emanuel Steward – he's nothing like him. He's just a gym sweeper, that's all he ever was, living off his granddad's name or whoever it was. He came over here without even £25 for a plane ticket."
Fury's Unwavering Support for Longtime Trainer
Despite the harsh words from his father, Tyson Fury remains steadfast in his support for Steward. In an exclusive interview with Metro via Ticketmaster, the heavyweight champion emphasized their longstanding relationship and Steward's permanent place on his team.
"We've known each other for 16 years," Fury declared when questioned about his relationship with the trainer. "He's part of the team, always has been and always will be."
The fighter's commitment comes as he prepares for his first return to the ring since December 2024, following his defeat in the rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. That loss came after Fury initially surrendered his WBC heavyweight title to the Ukrainian champion in May 2024.
Training Changes and Confident Predictions
Fury has implemented significant changes to his preparation for the upcoming Makhmudov fight, opting to train in Thailand since the New Year rather than at his usual base in Morecambe. The champion expressed satisfaction with his current training regimen and issued a bold prediction for the April 11 showdown.
"Training is going very well, so far so good," Fury reported. "I'm feeling fantastic and Makhmudov is going to get himself into some severe bother. In three weeks time I'm knocking him out cold."
The fighter also reflected on his extended break from competition, noting that this represents his longest retirement period. "I think this has been my longest retirement, 16 months by the time I fight again. I was a normal civilian and it sucked every day I was a civilian."
Broader Family Dynamics and Boxing Landscape
The public disagreement between Fury and his father occurs against a backdrop of reported family tensions, with John Fury recently revealing that his relationship with Tyson has been "completely destroyed" in what he described as a bombshell interview. Meanwhile, the boxing world continues to buzz with activity, including Daniel Dubois being touted as "the second best heavyweight on the planet" ahead of his Fabio Wardley fight.
As Fury prepares for his comeback, questions about his opponent's unconventional training methods have surfaced, particularly regarding Makhmudov's reported practice of wrestling bears. However, Fury appears unfazed by such preparations as he focuses on reclaiming his position at the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing.
