Glenn Foot has not retired. Certainly not just yet. Nor is he definitely carrying on.
Now the dust has settled on Foot’s points defeat at the Metro Radio Arena, Punch-lines has spoken to the Sunderland favourite.
Punch-lines revealed, or so we thought, the exclusive a week past Monday that one of the North-East’s greats was hanging up his gloves.
‘The Hammer’ told this reporter in the aftermath of his British and Commonwealth light-welterweight title defeat to Robbie Davies Jnr that his time was up, and he was calling it a day with no regrets and with his head held high, unlike in the ring of course where boxers need to keep their chins down!
It sparked a real hoo-ha with his manager, Phil Jeffries, rubbishing our news and insisting the Dave Binns-trained fighting machine would be back.
So, what is the real story? It turns out no-one is right or wrong.
Punch-lines has, for the second time in the last 10 days, actually spoken to the man in person.
“It depends on what comes up,” said the 30-year-old.
“I’ve not made any decision yet, one way or the other.
“I did say I was retiring but I spoke with Dave and Jaffa, who said to hang fire and think about things.
“We’ll get Christmas out the way and I’ll sit down with Dave and Jaffa and have a good talk and see what’s about.
“I’ve still got my licence and I can still fight.”
He can certainly fight as the last 12 months have proved, giving Josh Leather a real war for the IBF European title (the Guisborough star has not boxed since), stopping Jason Easton to become Commonwealth champ and having a good battle with Davies for the two 140lb belts.
Foot was heartened by the show of support from his public after the stories emerged but added that if he does box again then it will only be on the big occasion.
“I won’t be doing ticket deal shows,” said the Marley Pots fighter. “If a good opportunity is out there then I’ll consider it.
“I’ve not made up my mind either way, I’ll see where things are in the new year when I sit down with my coach and manager.”
Words: Roy Kelly Pictures: Jennifer Charlton
