This will fuel speculation.
Boxing fans want to know what Tony Bellew will do next, and the Liverpudlian isn’t short of options after his victory over David Haye.
Bellew is in a privileged position few boxers reach in their career in being able to effectively pick his next opponent. Or he can walk away from the sport with his reputation intact and after securing the biggest payday of his career.
“I don’t know how many times more I can put my body and family through this,” the 34-year-old told BBC Radio 5 live on Monday, before admitting he’s considering retirement.
"I've been hit harder than I've ever been hit for my life, but I'm a scouser and we can't give in" https://t.co/5BcvjCL2FV
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 7, 2017
But, if he does decide to step back into the ring, there are plenty of options.
He could fight Haye again when, and if, the 36-year-old returns from his Achilles injury.
British heavyweight Dillian Whyte called him out on Twitter following Saturday’s bout, and Bellew himself said he wants to fight Deontay Wilder.
Fight me @TonyBellew for a final eliminator to fight @BronzeBomber make it happen @EddieHearn @WBCBoxing #WHYTEBELLEW
— Dillian Whyte (@DillianWhyte) March 5, 2017
“You know what I want next? Deontay Wilder, the Bronze Bomber, I want you boy. I’m just thinking I maybe I have one more night left,” Bellew said following his victory over Haye.
You would get long odds on Bellew fighting Tyson Fury next, but the Liverpudlian sparked speculation with this cryptic tweet on Tuesday morning:
🤔 pic.twitter.com/ASZioFDKhf
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) March 7, 2017
The tweet comes less than a day after Fury announced his intention to return to the boxing.
Fury relinquished his heavyweight titles last December, however, he said on Monday that he intends to fight again on May 13.
"Breaking news"
Return of the MAC,
may 13th, working on an opponent more news to follow, @frankwarren_tv @btsport @boxnationtv— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) March 6, 2017
The man who ended @Klitschko's reign. The Real Heavyweight King is coming back for his crown 👑 #GypsyKing https://t.co/jVDTCYxZV0
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) March 6, 2017
Few expect Bellew to fight Fury, but no-one expected Bellew to beat Haye and he did, so we probably can’t fully rule it out.
Fury seems open to the idea of the fight, and effectively called Bellew out on Twitter.
Going to give 2 people the chance to win this @TonyBellew & @BronzeBomber whoever whants it let me know, #1heavyweight pic.twitter.com/k1vR0qBMp3
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) March 7, 2017
Meanwhile, Whyte appears to have given up any hope of fighting Bellew though, and gave his blessing to a potential bout between Fury and Bellew.
https://twitter.com/DillianWhyte/status/839061642205884418
Bellew’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said he wants the WBC world cruiserweight champion to remain at heavyweight and fight for a world title.
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
