Ricky Hatton has given Tyson Fury the green light to retire if he beats Oleksandr Usyk in their fight on Saturday night.
All eyes are on the Gypsy King as he prepares for the biggest showdown of his career, with the 35-year-old hoping to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Fury has beaten some big names over the years, including Deontay Wilder, Wladimir Klitschko and Derek Chisora.
Yet with Usyk unbeaten from all 21 of his career fights so far, he's set for his toughest challenge yet.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury is preparing for the biggest fight of his life against Oleksandr Usyk
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Fury has insisted he won't be retiring just yet, with the Briton eyeing as many as 10 more fights before he eventually hangs up his gloves.
But Hatton, speaking to Lord Ping, has admitted he'd be keen to see his friend quit boxing for good should he get the better of Usyk.
That's despite the fact it would deny fans a mouthwatering showdown between Fury and Anthony Joshua.
“We know about the rematch clause in the contract, and then there are all the whispers about Tyson and AJ finally getting it on, but if Tyson beats Usyk, then I don’t think anyone can question his legacy in the sport," he said.
“At that stage of his career, after beating Usyk, what is there really for Tyson to prove?
"There is nothing more for Tyson to achieve. British boxing fans would love the AJ fight, but there are a few hurdles to overcome if it were to happen.
“If he beats Usyk, he will go down as the best British heavyweight in history.
"At that stage, I’d like to see my mate hang up the gloves and enjoy the fruits of his labour with his family.
"He’s worked so hard for his entire career; he’s overcome some huge obstacles. There’s nothing left to prove.
“I don’t want to see my mate continuing to fight and putting himself in environments where he might get hurt.”
Fury has previously announced his retirement on a few occasions in the past.
However, he seems as passionate as ever about boxing and seems keen to remain in the sport for as long as possible.
Fury does, however, have a point to prove when he steps out at the Kingdom Arena on Saturday night
Some boxing figures believe he is a faded force and a man on the wane after his narrow win over Francis Ngannou back in October.
Fury was knocked down in round three and, though he won via split decision, his performance alarmed die-hard fans given Ngannou was taking part in his first professional boxing match.
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Boxing news: Ricky Hatton would like to see Tyson Fury retire if he beats Oleksandr Usyk
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But while Usyk was worried by Fury's flat display, he still thinks the Briton poses a threat.
"It was an incredible evening. I loved sitting ringside and watching everything," he said earlier this week when asked about Fury's fight with Ngannou.
"When I saw the knockdown, I was a little bit worried.
"First of all, I was worried about Tyson Fury, that there might be issues, I even shouted that Tyson should use his jab, and move faster.
"From a boxing point of view, Tyson won the fight.
Boxing news: Oleksandr Usyk is confident he'll be too strong for Tyson Fury on Saturday night
REUTERS
"But of course, some additional aspects come into the analysis.
"Ngannou is not a boxer and Tyson Fury is the Heavyweight Champion of the world.
"It seems to me that it was Tyson’s game to relax me, but I understand that I will have to work hard in the ring in order to get the victory.
"If he was performing, I think he deserves an Oscar."
