Evander Holyfield may have to think about retiring from the ring if doctors discover he has a chronic shoulder problem.

The former heavyweight champion injured his left shoulder in Saturday's IBF title fight with Chris Byrd.

Now the 40-year-old American has been told he needs surgery after a scan revealed he had torn a tendon.

Evander fought 11 rounds one-handed Holyfield's lawyer Jim Thomas

"If he is able to fight, it is 100% likely he will continue," said Holyfield's lawyer, Jim Thomas.

"But if the doctor tells him this will be a chronic problem and it will only get worse, he will evaluate things."

Byrd won a unanimous points decision over Holyfield in Atlantic City.

But Thomas claimed: "Evander fought 11 rounds one-handed."

He added: "Chris fought a great fight, proved he is a worthy champion and deserves great respect and admiration.

"No one is suggesting that the outcome would necessarily be any different had Evander not been injured."