Tyson Fury has been tipped to make an unexpected career move following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury suffered the first defeat of his pro career on Saturday night as Usyk claimed a split decision win over the ‘Gypsy King’ in their undisputed heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia.
Fury was forced to take a standing count in the ninth round after being rocked by a barrage of punches from Usyk.
He made it to the final bell but lost on points, with two judges scoring the fight in favour of the Ukrainian.
Usyk takes Fury’s WBC heavyweight title and is now the first undisputed champion in the division since Lennox Lewis in 2000.
Both fighters were hit with medical suspensions in the wake of the bout, with Fury’s due to come to an end on Saturday.
He could trigger a rematch clause to face Usyk again later this year, which his promoter Frank Warren has suggested he intends to do.
But there has also been speculation Fury could retire, rather than face Usyk for a second time.
Former world champion Johnny Nelson believes the British fighter could hang up his gloves for good.
Speaking after the fight, Nelson told Sky Sports: “I think Tyson Fury will be devastated at the result of that.
“Tyson’s team will have serious conversations about motivating him after this and get his mind back.
“Don’t be surprised if Tyson walks away from this. What more can he do? How can he improve from that?
“This defeat would have done his head in and his heart in.”
Fury was beaten by Usyk in Saudi Arabia (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, Fury’s former opponent Derek Chisora says he’s heard a “rumour” that Usyk could leave the heavyweight division entirely – preventing a rematch taking place later this year.
“There’s no point bothering with a rematch because the undisputed is done,” Chisora said via Boxing Social, referring to Usyk potentially being stripped of his IBF world title.
“I heard a rumour, I’m gonna start this rumour anyway. Oleksandr is dropping down to cruiserweight.
“That’s the rumour right now.”