“Too Many Stay Too Long”  Teddy Atlas Says ‘It’s Time’ For Former Heavyweight Champion To Retire: “Too Many Stay Too Long”

The dust is still setting on the shock announcement that Tyson Fury has retired from the sport and now Teddy Atlas has shared his views.

Fury took to social media earlier in January to reveal that he is bowing out after a hugely successful career.

‘The Gypsy King’ has won belts at every level from British, European and Commonwealth to World. He was also lineal champion following his impressive victory on away soil versus Wladimir Klitschko and recorded famous wins in the states against fearsome puncher Deontay Wilder, who he drew with once and knocked out in brutal fashion in two other fights to complete a trilogy.

His last two contests were against Oleksandr Usyk, the first being a tilt at undisputed honours. He fell short in that one, losing on points after taking a barrage of shots in the 9th that proved to be the difference on the cards. The rematch in December went the same way, though this time the 36-year-old lost a unanimous decision and decided to walk away.

READ MORE : Tyson Fury And Usyk Both Name The Same Knockout Artist As ‘The Future…

Speaking on the Fight, former trainer Atlas gave his view on the news and wished Fury luck.

“I think it’s time. I love Tyson Fury, he’s a guy we can all learn from. Everyone uses the words ‘don’t give up,’ but he’s lived it. He has taught us that lesson. He went through drugs and alcohol abuse, spiralling downwards, thinking about suicide. What a sad thing.

The poor guy got that depressed, but he didn’t, he came back, he fights for the heavyweight title against one of the best punchers of all time in Wilder, he gets dropped, he’s laying there flat like he’s dead and what does he do? He gets up, he doesn’t quit, then he goes on to have an unparalleled career, earning money, winning titles, then he’s involved in these incredible undisputed fights.

How many times have we seen these fighters when they don’t know when to leave? Too many times. If this time is true, all I have to say is God bless, congratulations, thank you for everything you gave us.”

Many hope that Fury’s announcement is a bargaining chip and that he will in fact fight at least once more against Anthony Joshua in what would be an epic all-British clash between two long-term rivals.