Fury’s decision to withdraw denies fans the chance to see the long-awaited clash with compatriot Anthony Joshua.

On Saturday, Joshua said a fight with Fury “has to happen this year” while speaking at the Ring Magazine Awards.

However, Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, has questioned the legitimacy of Fury’s announcement, claiming he would also retire if he was “looking for the right deal”.

“If you don’t have the heart for it anymore and you don’t want to compete anymore, I think retirement is the best option,” Hearn said, external.

“Of course it’s disappointing for British fight fans because we have the chance to deliver the biggest fight in boxing, but if this is the last we see of him he’s had a great career – I doubt it (it is the last time we see him boxing). ).

“It’s always best to retire to ensure someone has to pay one to get out of retirement, but if that’s his lot then I have a lot of respect for him and I wish him all the best.”

Fury had an undefeated record of 34 wins and one draw until he faced Ukrainian Usyk in the first undisputed heavyweight contest of the four-belt era.

Usyk won the first meeting by split decision and backed up that performance with a unanimous decision win last month.

Frank Warren, who promotes Fury, told BBC Radio 5 Live that he had not spoken to Fury before announcing his retirement.

“I’ve said all along that there’s no way I’m going to try to influence him in any way,” Warren said.

“If he wants to do that, great. He did everything he could. He was probably by far the best British heavyweight of his generation. Two-time world champion, two hard-fought fights against Usyk. He has a lot of money, I understood him and found a great family. God bless him.

“He has become a world star. If you look at some of the fights he’s had, he hasn’t been in a fight that wasn’t exciting. Very, very exciting fights. Big heart, got up from the ground when he was knocked down.” Big punches and coming back to win fights.