Saudi Arabian boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has suggested he will try and talk Tyson Fury out of his latest retirement, but already has contingency plans for Anthony Joshua if a bout between the pair cannot be arranged.

Alalshikh, a member of the Saudi royal court and a major powerbroker behind the kingdom’s move into the sport, said he would give Fury some time but does not appear convinced that his decision to walk away is final.

The self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ announced his in-ring career was over after his recent defeat by Oleksandr Usyk but has made U-turns in the past after claiming he was retired.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Alalshikh said: “As a fan of boxing, I don’t like it. We want to see Tyson in more big fights, but I can understand his decision.

“But over time this decision can change. I will support him and discuss it with him. I will leave him for some time to be with his family, then we can discuss it.”

A long-discussed clash with Joshua would generate enormous interest, and doubtless a huge payday if the 36-year-old could be tempted back.

Alalshikh, though, shot down the more outrageous claims about a possible purse and has already considered American Deontay Wilder as an alternative for Joshua.

“A lot of rumours don’t help us. No-one will propose £500million for a fight, these numbers are incorrect,” he said.

“And if Tyson is not available why not Joshua and Wilder? If you want something about the British markets, I want to see Joshua and Wilder now.”