British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has claimed that Tyson Fury could be tempted out of retirement for a blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua—if the financial incentives align. The remarks come months after Fury, 36, announced his exit from the sport following back-to-back losses to undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, derailing long-standing negotiations for a historic all-British clash with Joshua.
Hatton, a former light welterweight world champion and close confidant of Fury, told Sky Sports that the “Gypsy King” may reconsider his retirement should promoters present an offer too lucrative to refuse. “Tyson’s retired before,” Hatton said. “If he gets offered the right purse for the AJ fight, knowing Tyson as I do, I think he’d jump at it.”
Fury, a former WBC heavyweight titleholder, has repeatedly flip-flopped on retirement since 2022 but appeared definitive in January after Usyk cemented his dominance in their rematch. However, Hatton emphasized that the unresolved Joshua rivalry could haunt Fury if left unaddressed. “Tyson will kick himself if he’s sat on his sofa 10 years down the line wondering, ‘What if?’ He’s in a position to do something about it now rather than curse himself forever,” he said.
The potential bout between Fury and Joshua has been a decade in the making, with fans and pundits deeming it one of the most consequential matchups in modern heavyweight boxing. Fury’s retirement announcement in April, delivered via social media, drew widespread disappointment, leaving Joshua to pursue alternative opponents.
Despite advocating for the fight, Hatton—who cornered Fury during his 2018 draw with Deontay Wilder—admitted he would prefer to see his friend retire permanently. “If he does [return], that’s the last one I’d like him to have. You don’t like to see your mates get hurt,” he said, alluding to concerns over Fury’s health after a storied 16-year career.
Fury’s team has yet to comment on Hatton’s remarks, while Joshua’s camp remains focused on a September bout at London’s Wembley Stadium, potentially against former cruiserweight champion Mateusz Makan.
For now, the prospect of a Fury-Joshua clash remains speculative. But as Hatton’s comments underscore, in boxing—where legacy and lucre often collide—retirement announcements are rarely set in stone.
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