Tyson Fury could be forced to make a decision over vacating his world title this week, with the WBC seeking clarity on his retirement plans.
The 'Gyspy King' recently retained his crown with a sixth-round stoppage victory over Dillian Whyte before confirming his plans to retire from the sport. If the champion chooses to retire, he will be forced to vacate his belt and lose any chance of fighting for the undisputed title against the winner of Anthony Joshua's rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed the organisation will hand Fury their full backing if he opts to hang up his gloves. "The WBC will be communicating with Tyson Fury and his promoters about his future plans in the coming week," Sulaiman told Sky Sports. "We are ready to support him on whatever he decides. If he decides to retire the WBC will fully support him.
"It is our dream to see fighters retire with such greatness. Undefeated champion, financially protected with a loving family and a great future outside the ring. I am very happy and satisfied if this is his final decision and will fully support him and will be close to him for the rest of his life."
It was previously claimed the WBC would give Fury several weeks to ponder his future with no mandatory title defences outstanding. However Sulaiman is likely to chase up any decision this week with Fury expected to fly to Las Vegas for a short break which could include watching Canelo Alvarez in action this weekend.
Fury recently clarified his situation confirming he will not be looking to return the ring despite previously backtracking to state he would be willing to meet UFC star Francis Ngannou. Fury said: “This is the truth, the gospel truth, nothing but the truth - I’m done. Every good dog has its day. Like a great Roman leader said, there will always be somebody else to fight.
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"When is enough enough? I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’ve still got my brains, I can still talk. I’ve got a beautiful wife, I’ve got six kids. I’ve got umpteen belts, I’ve got plenty of money. I’ve got success, fame, glory. What more am I doing it for? Boxing’s a very dangerous sport, you can be taken out with one punch as we’ve seen on Saturday night."
His wife Paris has stated her desire to see her heavyweight husband retire despite admitting he could be tempted into a comeback if Joshua defeats Usyk. However Fury's promoter Arum confirmed he plans to sit down and talk to Fury about any final decision.
“I’ll meet with Tyson [Fury], we’ll have dinner together, and whatever he wants to talk about," Arum told Fight Hype. "We’ll just have a nice conversation. When he says he’s retired, he means it now. But whether he’ll mean it two months from now, that’s problematic. I think once the Joshua vs. Usyk fight happens, I think the blood will stir in his body.”
