Tyson Fury has appeared to have announced his immediate retirement from professional boxing after posting an expletive tweet on his Twitter account on Monday.

Fury has been involved in numerous controversial moments ever since shocking the world in Germany last year when defeating Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles.

The Englishman was heavily criticised for his sexist comments made about females and there was a huge petition to get the boxer thrown off the shortlist for the 2015 Sports Personality of the Year award.

A rematch was then due to take place between the 28-year-old and Klitschko on July 9 this year but this was delayed when the reigning champion picked up an ankle injury.

But, things took another turn for the worst when the Manchester-born fighter faced a provisional suspension from the UK Anti-Doping Agency when producing a sample containing the banned substance nandrolone.

The ban was eventually lifted after the camp protested the boxer’s innocence and many thought, finally, he was on a clearer journey for a rearranged fight with his Ukrainian nemesis.

October 29 was set as the new date, with the Manchester Arena the venue, but Fury again pulled out of the bout with the explanation he had been “declared mentally unfit to fight”.

And now, in a huge shock, the controversial Briton has ended any hopes of a rematch after confirming his retirement via social media.

A post on his Twitter account ready: “Boxing is the saddest thing I ever took part in. I’m the greatest & I’m also retired.

Happy days.” There has been no word from Fury’s camp regarding the comment but it appears Klitschko will have to start looking for another opponent, with British star Anthony Joshua said to be in the frame.