Frank Warren says he will support Tyson Fury 'wholeheartedly' if he chooses to quit boxing and retire in the wake of his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
Fury went into the fight undefeated but, after the battle went the distance, ended up losing on points.
The 35-year-old insists he deserved to win the bout, suggesting Usyk was only given the decision because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He has suggested he's up for a rematch, with the pair likely to duel again in October.
Tyson Fury could choose to retire from boxing in the aftermath of his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night
REUTERS
However, speculation is also rife that Fury could choose to walk away from the sport entirely after tasting defeat for the first time as a professional.
At the age of 35, he's approaching the twilight years of his glittering career.
There's a possibility Fury could actually fight Anthony Joshua, with fans long hoping to see the Britons face each other.
Yet Warren, Fury's promoter, has insisted he'd support the Gypsy King if he opts to hang up his gloves.
"He must be with his family after all these weeks in training camp," he said.
"He also needs time to consider what to do next. If he chooses to retire I would support him wholeheartedly."
Fury was on top against Usyk, albeit narrowly, by the time the ninth round came along on Saturday night.
Yet there was a huge, vital shift in momentum that ultimately swung the pendulum in the Ukrainain's favour.
He managed to wobble Fury, with the Briton only just able to stay on his feet.
Some think that, if it hadn't been for the referee, Fury would have been knocked down and beaten there and then.
It will be fascinating to see what the Gypsy King decides, especially now he's lost for the first time as a professional.
And Johnny Nelson has admitted he wouldn't be surprised to see Fury walk off into the sunset and pursue a new challenge in life.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Nelson said: "Tyson’s team will have serious conversations after this to motivate him and get his mind back.
“Don’t be surprised if Tyson walks away from this.
‘What else can he do? How can he improve from that? This defeat would have affected his head and his heart."
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Tyson Fury will have the backing of Frank Warren if he chooses to quit boxing in the wake of his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia
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Nelson also believes complacency cost Fury against Usyk in the Middle East.
"When you see him go forward, using his power and height, his reach, that's when he was controlling Usyk, hurting him," he added.
"Complacency kicked in, it's him thinking 'I'm king, you come to me'.
"Tyson was trying to hustle his way through the pressure, and Usyk was consistent from the off.
"Win the first three, lose the next three, but still kept the pressure on Fury.
Tyson Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk on points in Saudi Arabia
REUTERS
"Whenever Tyson put his foot down and had pressure, it's when he had success."
Fury is now set to spend some time with his family before mulling over his next move.
He has bounced back from tougher situations, however, and he's still got plenty to prove before he walks away.
