FRANK WARREN does not expect Tyson Fury to reverse his retirement this time and believes his body of work puts him alongside Lennox Lewis as Britain’s greatest ever heavyweight.

Despite the possibility of a huge summer clash with Anthony Joshua, the Morecambe man shocked many by announcing his retirement from boxing via social media on Monday.

However it is not the first time the Gypsy King has decided to walk away from the sport only to return eventually. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, for instance, suggested that Fury’s news might just be a tactic to get a better deal for fighting Joshua later this year.

But Warren, Fury’s long-time promoter, thinks we have seen the last of him inside the ring this time.

Warren said: “If he changes his mind, he changes his mind but I don’t think he will.

“I support him 100 per cent if that’s what he wants to do. It surprised me that he announced it today but Tyson will be Tyson; he’s said how he feels and got it off his mind.

“It’s a decision he had to make and it’s not for anyone else to decide. He’s got a wife and seven kids, he’s made fortunes and doesn’t need to box for money.

“If he boxes it's because he’s a fighting man. he’s made his decision and everyone should respect that

“He’s made his mind up and all Tyson needs to do is please himself, not everyone else, especially the people who have been fierce critics of his. Why would he want to keep giving blood for them?”

Fury, now 36, retires with a record of 34-2-1 (24) having won the world heavyweight title twice during a career punctuated by famous wins over the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder.

Warren added: “He’s had an unbelievable career. Since he’s been with me, when has he not been in a dramatic fight?

“He’s got tremendous heart, he’s on the floor and gets up. He has grit, determination and he's a good boxer.

“It’s toss up between him and Lennox Lewis as Britain’s best, there’s not a lot in it, I’d have liked to see that fight.”