Ricky Hatton wants Tyson Fury to hang up his gloves for good. The former boxer has called for his friend to walk away from the sport, saying Fury has done enough in his career.
Hatton knows a thing or two about retirement. He first stepped away from boxing in 2009 after a knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao. He came back for one more fight in 2012 but was stopped in the 9th round by Vyacheslav Senchenko. That's when he decided to call it quits for good.
Now, Hatton sees the heavyweight boxing landscape changing. Fighters like Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk are nearing the end of their careers. Fury himself announced his retirement in January after losing twice to Usyk.
Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, Hatton shared his thoughts on Fury's future:
"I'd like to see him retire. I think he's done enough. I would like to see the AJ fight but I think he's done enough. Let's have it right, a few years ago when he was 26st, we never thought he'd fight again. He nearly wasn't here for all the problems that he had. So for him to do what he's done, he's done us all proud and I'd like to see him retire now."
Hatton remembers when Fury was struggling with his weight and personal issues. He's proud of what his friend has accomplished since then. But he's also worried about Fury's well-being if he keeps fighting.
Still, Hatton understands the pull of one last big fight:
"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? If he does, that's the last one I'd like him to have. Because you don't like to see your mates get hurt."
If Fury stays retired, he'll go down as one of Britain's best heavyweights ever. The only thing missing from his resume would be a fight with Anthony Joshua. Fans and Joshua's team are still calling for this matchup to happen.
Hatton's advice comes from a place of concern. He wants to see his friend walk away healthy and happy, even if it means leaving one big fight on the table.
