Frank Warren has spoken out about Tyson Fury's shock retirement and revealed that the Brit did not warn him about the announcement.
On Monday afternoon, British boxing legend Fury took to social media to announce his shock retirement following back-to-back losses to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The 36-year-old was rumoured to be negotiating an all-British superfight with long-term rival Anthony Joshua, but now appears to be stepping away from the sport.
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And now Warren, who has promoted Fury throughout his storied career, has spoken out to give his reaction to the announcement, revealing he was as shocked as everyone else.
In a video clip on Fury's Instagram account, the Brit announced: "Hi everybody, I'm going to make this short and sweet, I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing. It's been a blast. I've loved every single minute of it."
Although he is likely set to miss out on a massive pay day from a potential fight between Fury and Joshua, Warren had nothing but good things to say about the heavyweight.
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"God bless him. If that's what he wants to do, that's what he should do," said Warren told TNT Sports.
"It's up to him at the end of the day. He's made a lot of money. He's had a fantastic career. He's the best British heavyweight...he has been in some magnificent fights. He has shown what he's about.
"He has been exciting, you know, to be around him. I've loved every minute of it, and I hope all the fans have as well."
However, Warren did admit that Fury's announcement had caught him completely off guard and revealed that he had not been told about the Brit's plans prior to the video being posted online.
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"I'll be honest, I didn't expect it today but if that's how he feels, that's how he feels," added the 72-year-old.
"It's his life. I know he was disappointed with the result of the last fight but he can't change it, it is what it is."
Speaking more about his shock at Fury's sudden decision to retire, the legendary promoter told The Sun : "This is the first I've heard of it. I haven't spoken to him today but God bless him.
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"He's earned more money than he could spend if he lived to be 1,000-years-old.
"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. We wish him the absolute best.
"When I did speak to him I told him to take your time, relax, recover, don't rush into any decisions and if this is the one he's made he has our support and gratitude."
Topics: Tyson Fury, Boxing, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua
Ben McCrum