Tyson Fury has confirmed his retirement after knocking out Dilian Whyte on Sunday, but the WBC heavyweight champion left open the possibility of fighting UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Fury stopped Whyte in the sixth round of their mandatory title fight in front of a record-breaking 94,000-person crowd in his home country.
“I promised my lovely wife Paris of 14 years that after the Wilder 3 fight, that would be it.” Fury said after the fight.
“I meant it, we had a war, it was a great trilogy and I meant that. But I got offered to fight at Wembley at home and I believe I owed it to the fans, every person in the United Kingdom to come here and fight at Wembley.
“Now that it’s all done, I think this is it, this might be the final curtain for the Gypsy King. What a way to go out, a big thank you to the United Kingdom!” Fury added.
When Ngannou entered the ring to celebrate, Fury left open the possibility of continuing to compete alongside Ngannou.
“I will not rule out exhibitions, I want to have fun and entertain. Big Francis Ngannou was here today, he’s on my hitlist. Boxing ring, octagon, boxing gloves or UFC gloves, let’s make it happen.” Fury said.
In early 2022, Ngannou won by Ciryl Gane to successfully claim the championship title for the first time. Before that, the French-Cameroon fighter knocked out Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in March 2021 to become the 19th champion in the tournament’s history.
“We’ll eventually find out who’s the strongest bastard on the planet, right?” The two put their arms around each other and laughed happily” Ngannou said.
“The fight will happen. Definitely in 2023. Because at the end of the year my contract will be clear. I will settle it and be ready to fight. Fury meets Ngannou in Africa, it will be the best boxing match.” he added.
