Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan believe fellow-Brit David Haye may postpone his retirement to secure a shot at redemption against Vitali Klitschko.
Londoner Haye has always insisted he would quit when he turns 31 tomorrow – and has reportedly informed the British Boxing Board of Control he will not renew his fighter's licence.
However, Haye – who lost in his big unification clash with Wladimir Klitschko in July – is believed to be willing to postpone his retirement should a fight with his conqueror's brother Vitali, the WBC champion, be agreed.
Fellow British favourite Hatton, who retired this year, urged Haye to go out with a bang rather than hanging his gloves up on the back of a defeat.
He said: "David should fight on to secure his legacy."
Whatever move he makes, friend Khan, the WBA/IBF light-welterweight champion, believes he can hold his head high.
Khan said: "What people tend to forget is that you are only ever one fight away from being badly hurt, so why does David need to take that kind of a risk against the big punchers like the Klitschko brothers?
"However, I'm sure there will be a few more twists and turns in this story of Haye vs Klitschko."