Boxing legend Ricky Hatton believes Tyson Fury could reverse his January retirement decision if offered the right purse to face Anthony Joshua.
The former heavyweight champion announced he would be hanging up his gloves after suffering his second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
However, Hatton suggests his longtime friend might be tempted back into the ring to settle his long-standing rivalry with fellow British boxing icon Joshua.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hatton was clear about Fury's potential return: "Tyson's retired before. If he gets offered the right money, the right purse for the AJ fight, knowing Tyson as I do, I think he'd jump at it."
Tyson Fury has been tipped to meet Anthony Joshua in the ring
PA
This candid assessment from one of British boxing's most respected figures suggests the 'Gypsy King' might not be permanently hanging up his gloves.
The allure of finally facing Joshua could prove too tempting for Fury to resist.
This is not Fury's first retirement announcement. In 2013, he declared he was leaving the sport after a planned fight with David Haye fell through.
He made a similar announcement following his victory over Dillian Whyte in 2022.
Fury has demonstrated a pattern of stepping away from boxing only to return, making Hatton's assessment particularly credible.
The 36-year-old's history suggests his January retirement may indeed be temporary.
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Hatton believes Fury would regret not settling his rivalry with Joshua, telling Sky Sports: "I think Tyson will kick himself if he's sat on his sofa 10 years down the line and thinks to himself: 'I wonder what would have happened if I'd have fought AJ?'"
The Manchester boxing icon suggests Fury should act now "rather than be cursing himself for the rest of his life.
"This potential super-fight has eluded British boxing fans for nearly a decade.
Hatton played a crucial role in Fury's comeback after his three-year hiatus following the Wladimir Klitschko victory in 2015.
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Ricky Hatton believes Tyson Fury could come back to boxing
PA
Despite advocating for a potential Joshua fight, Hatton admits: "I'd like to see him retire. I think he's done enough."
He added: "Let's have it right, a few years ago when he was 26 stone, we never thought he'd fight again. For him to do what he's done, he's done us all proud."
Meanwhile, Usyk has indicated his preference to rematch Daniel Dubois in his next fight, despite Joseph Parker being named as the WBO mandatory challenger.
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Tyson Fury retired after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk
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Joshua is seeking his next opponent after his knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium last September.
Eddie Hearn recently revealed a five-man hitlist for AJ's summer return, stating: "Daniel Dubois still [is the frontrunner]. In an ideal world, he will fight Fury, if not Dubois."
Other potential opponents include Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder.
