Tyson Fury sends money to cut man who saved him from defeat during pandemic
- Planet Sport writer
- 13 July 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has left the global economy on its knees with tens of millions of people around the world jobless.
It’s hit the sporting world just as hard, especially when it comes to boxing. No fight means no purse earnings, which not only affects the fighter but also his team and that applied to Tyson Fury’s former cut man Jorge Capetillo.
That was until the heavyweight champion himself found out about the Mexican’s financial struggles. Fury, who suffered a huge cut above his right eye against Otto Wallin in 2019, was saved by Capetillo who helped the “Gypsy King” continue through to win the fight and keep his Deontay Wilder rematch hopes alive.
Since then, their friendship has blossomed.
"[Fury] is still very grateful," Capetillo told Sky Sports last week. "When he knew we were locked down because of COVID-19 and my gym was closed, he texted me and said, 'Is there anything I can do to help?'
"He is still taking care of me. He sent me money," Capetillo added.
Capetillo was in New York just before Jessie Magdaleno’s bout got cancelled in mid-March at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. It would take months for sport to return, with boxing making its comeback under Bob Arum’s Top Rank last month.
"I came home with empty pockets. I was scared, I didn't know what to do," Capetillo recalled. "[Fury] knew Jessie's fight was cancelled. He asked about my family and what he could do. He said, 'I'll sort out some money for your family so you can be good.'"
Fury - who fought in February - delivered a devastating knockout of Deontay Wilder to become WBC champion and was later named as the richest boxer of the last 12 months, according to Forbes with earnings of $57 million - ahead of Anthony Joshua, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Wilder.
"He is a great man, so humble. He had the time to ask how I was doing with my family during this crisis," said Capetillo, who is back working in Las Vegas with fighters such as Magdaleno and Javier Martinez.
"I will always be grateful to [Fury]. I'll always be here for him, anything I can help with," a thankful Capetillo said.
