Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has revealed he learned about the heavyweight’s shock retirement announcement at the same time as the public on Monday afternoon.
The former champion took to social media to declare his departure from the sport following his recent defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
“Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” Fury said in his video statement.
“I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing. It’s been a blast. I’ve loved every single minute of it.”
Frank Warren admitted he was blindsided by Tyson Fury’s decision
Reuters
Warren, who was attending a press conference for the Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev rematch when the news broke, admitted he had not been informed of Fury’s decision beforehand.
“Not at all, I’ve not spoken with him about it,” Warren told reporters.
Despite being caught off guard, Warren immediately expressed support for Fury’s decision.
“God bless him, that’s what he wants to do. That’s great,” Warren told TNT Sports.
The veteran promoter made it clear he would not attempt to change Fury’s mind about retirement.
“He’s retired, I’m not going to ring him and try to debate with him,” Warren told talkSPORT.
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“I said immediately after that fight, ‘Go away with your family, consider what you have got to do. You are a very wealthy man, you have done everything you have to do in boxing,'” he added.
“No matter what he wants to do, I am with him 100 per cent,” Warren affirmed.
Warren heaped praise on Fury’s accomplishments throughout his career.
“He’s probably been the best British heavyweight of his generation by far,” Warren told The Mirror.
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Tyson Fury has retired from boxing after two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk
Reuters
“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,” he added.
The promoter highlighted Fury’s exciting fighting style and resilience.
“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,” Warren said.
“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.”
Warren reflected on Fury’s lasting impact on British boxing and financial success.
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“He’s earned more money than he could spend if he lived to be 1,000-years-old,” Warren told The Sun.
The promoter emphasised Fury’s complete achievements in the sport.
“He’s won every belt he ever wanted to win and he couldn’t have done any more for the sport, for himself or for British boxing,” he said.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Warren added: “What he has done in the ring, he has done proudly on behalf of British boxing. He’s been a warrior.”
“He’ll be in everybody’s memories for years to come,” Warren concluded.