Tyson Fury to retire after Whyte bout, but eyes 'special' fight with UFC's Francis Ngannou

Tyson Fury says he will retire from boxing following next month’s soldout clash with Dillian Whyte – and then set his sights on a crossover fight with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

The undefeated Brit, who holds the WBC and lineal heavyweight belts, defends his titles against compatriot Whtye at London's Wembley Stadium on April 23, with organisers reporting on Wednesday night that 100,000 tickets had sold within hours.

Fighting in the UK for the first time in four years, Fury claims the bout against the No 1 mandatory challenger will represent his last in boxing. At present, his professional record stands at 31 wins and one draw from 32 contests.

“This is the final countdown of ‘The Gypsy King,’” Fury told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour on Wednesday night. “Hollywood awaits. This is my retirement fight. One-hundred thousand people at Wembley, all-British world title fight. Return of the Mack after four years to the UK.

“This is it, going out on a high. Retiring on top. Two-time world heavyweight champion and I’ll have made eight defences of the lineal championship. Never to lose a fight. To go down as only the second heavyweight in history to retire unbeaten: me and Rocky Marciano.”

Fury, 33, did later concede that he could be tempted back into boxing years from now, but that he did not need to compete in the sport for money any longer. He is set to make at least $32 million from the fight against Whyte.

WBC champion Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder in the 11th round of their incredible heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas. EPA

However, Fury said he has designs on a number of “special” fights against other stars of combat sports, including Ngannou. The Cameroonian, 35, is currently recovering from a knee