Frank Warren has urged Tyson Fury to “enjoy” his retirement after being blind-sided by his decision.
The former heavyweight world champion confirmed his decision to finally call it a day when it comes to boxing on Monday. Speaking in a short statement, the 36-year-old said: “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet.
“I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing. It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I’m going to end with this. Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side. Get up!”
Fury’s decision to hang up his gloves comes just weeks after the second defeat of his career at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk. And his promoter Warren has spoken out.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “God bless him, that’s what he wants to do. That’s great. I mean he’s done everything he can do. He’s probably been the best British heavyweight of his generation by far.
“Two-time world champion, and two closely fought fights against Usyk. He’s got plenty of money, he’s got his wits about him, he’s got a lovely family. So God bless him, let him enjoy it.”
Asked if he had been told in advance about Fury’s retirement, Warren admitted he learned at the same time as everyone else. “Not at all, I’ve not spoken with him about it,” he said. “I said all along, that there is no way I will be trying in any way to influence him.”
Warren remained complimentary of Fury and his glittering career in the ring. He added: “Well he has become a world star and there’s no doubt about that. If you look at some of the fights that he’s had, I mean he’s not been in one fight that’s not been exciting. Very, very exciting fights.
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“Big heart, got off the floor when he’s been knocked down by big punchers and come back and won fights and he’s been something special.”
Fury’s retirement now means his much-anticipated fight with fellow Brit Anthony Joshua will not be happening. The former remained tight-lipped after his recent defeat to Usyk whether he would be taking to the ring ever again.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is still of the opinion that Fury could return. Speaking to iFL TV, he said: “If that’s the last we see of Tyson Fury then good luck to him. I doubt it personally but whatever he chooses to do, much respect to him.
“I think he’ll want to fight again, I think he will get bored and he will know the British public want to see the AJ fight. My personal belief if we’ll see him in the ring again. If not then good luck to the man.”
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