Fury announced he was stepping away from the sport just moments after knocking out Dillian Whyte in April, but there has been plenty of talk from his camp that he may yet return to the ring.
By LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 15:19 BST, 8 August 2022 | Updated: 15:47 BST, 8 August 2022
Eddie Hearn has admitted that he believes Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight in the world.
Fury announced he was stepping away from the sport just moments after knocking out Dillian Whyte in April, but there has been plenty of talk from his camp that he may yet return to the ring.
The 43-year-old, who promotes Fury's rival Anthony Joshua, told JaackMaate's Happy Hour Podcast: 'If you asked me right now who's the best heavyweight in the world, I would say Tyson Fury.
Eddie Hearn said it 'pains' him to admit that Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight in the world
33-year-old Fury retired after beating Dillian Whyte in April but could yet return to the sport
Fury knocked out Whyte in his last fight, but never faced off against fellow Brit Anthony Joshua
'Pains us to say it, but that's facts.'
Hearn also promotes Oleksandr Usyk, who faces Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight rematch later this month.
A long-desired all-British fight between Fury and Joshua never materialised, but Hearn could yet bet set for negotiations if Fury does decide to return to the ring.
Fury's promoter Bob Arum has claimed that he has been in talks with Usyk's camp over a potential fight if the Ukrainian beats Joshua.
Bob Arum, one of Fury's promoters, says he has had contact with Oleksandr Usyk's camp
Speaking to Barbershop Conversations via Boxing Scene, Arum seemed hopeful that a fight could be made down the line.
'I'm hoping that Usyk wins because I have talked with his people and I think they would be anxious to fight Tyson Fury,' Arum said.
'I am hoping to do that fight in December or early next year.
'I just think Usyk is a better talent than Joshua and he is certainly quicker than him and I would like Usyk in the undisputed fight, but could it go the other way.'
Fury's other promoter, Frank Warren has backed Arum's claims, suggesting the Gypsy King has 'itchy feet' to fight again despite the WBC heavyweight champion insisting he is retired.
Frank Warren has claimed that Fury is already itching to step back into the boxing ring
Usyk (right) beat Anthony Joshua on points in 2021 and they'll meet again later this month
Speaking to TalkSport, Warren suggested that the 33-year-old is waiting for the outcome of the second bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua before deciding his next move.
'He's got itchy feet at the moment,' said Warren. 'He wants to fight.
'I think what's going to happen is see what happens on [August] 20th and the outcome of that and that'll determine what he intends to do in the future.
'My opinion - this is not from him, it's from me - I think he will [return] because he's a fighting man and he misses it.
'That's what he does, he wants to fight.'