Tyson Fury 'definitely won't' retire, crossover clash with Francis Ngannou possible - Arum

WBC heavyweight champion said he will call time on unbeaten career following win against Whyte

Tyson Fury celebrates with his belts after beating Dillian Whyte by sixth-round stoppage. AP

Tyson Fury celebrates his knockout win over Dillian Whyte to retain his WBC heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2022 as referee Mark Lyson supports Whyte on the ropes. Reuters

Tyson Fury celebrates with his wife Paris, right, and trainer SugarHill Steward. AP

Tyson Fury knocks down Dillian Whyte during their WBC heavyweight title fight. AP

Tyson Fury celebrates after knocking down Dillian Whyte during their WBC heavyweight title fight. PA

Dillian Whyte is surrounded by his team after his defeat to Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium. PA

Tyson Fury throws a jab at Dillian Whyte. AP

Tyson Fury lands a right cross on Dillian Whyte during their WBC world heavyweight title fight. Getty

Tyson Fury lands a body punch on Dillian Whyte during the WBC world heavyweight title fight. Getty

Dillian Whyte lands a reaching cross on Tyson Fury during their WBC world heavyweight title fight. Getty

Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte exchange punches during their WBC world heavyweight title fight. Getty

Tyson Fury during his ring walk ahead of his WBC heavyweight title fight against Dillian Whyte. PA

Fireworks are set off during Tyson Fury's ring walk for his WBC heavyweight title boxing fight against Dillian Whyte. AP

Tyson Fury sits on a throne during his ring walk to face Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium. Getty

Tyson Fury pumps his arms to the crowd during his ring walk to fight Dillian Whyte. Getty

Tyson Fury soaks up the cheers from the crowd during his ring walk ahead of his fight against Dillian Whyte. Reuters

Tyson Fury’s promoter Bob Arum says the world heavyweight champion “definitely won’t retire” following Saturday’s stunning stoppage victory against Dillian Whyte, with the American also stating a crossover bout with UFC champion Francis Ngannou "should be easy to make".

Fury, 33, triumphed in superb fashion in front of a reported 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in London, knocking out Whyte with a thunderous uppercut in the sixth round. The win lifted the unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion’s record to 32 victories and one draw from 33 professional fights.

Afterwards, Fury reiterated his desire to call time on his career to spend time with his wife and six children.

However, Arum, who promotes Fury in the United States, told American outlet USA Today Sports: “No, he definitely won't retire. Of course not. Are you crazy?”

Arum, who could not travel to England having displayed mild Covid-19 symptoms, said he plans to meet Fury for dinner in Las Vegas within the next two weeks.

"We'll have plenty of time to talk everything out,” Arum added.

The veteran promoter's comments will surely reignite hopes of an undisputed bout between Fury and the winner of the rematch between WBA, WBO and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk and former champion Anthony Joshua. The pair are expected to meet in July – Usyk won the initial encounter last September by unanimous decision - with Saudi Arabia considered favourite to host.

Meanwhile, Fury said in the aftermath of his victory on Saturday that he would target lucrative exhibition bouts going forward, or a return to the WWE following his appearance in the organisation in Riyadh in 2019.

On Saturday, the triumphant Fury welcomed into the ring UFC star Ngannou to tease a crossover fight with the Cameroonian “either in a cage, in a boxing ring, boxing gloves, UFC gloves”.

“We can make it happen,” Fury added.

Ngannou, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, said as he stood alongside Fury: “I’m going to find out who is the baddest [man] on the planet. It’s going to be a hybrid fight. MMA gloves, in the ring. Something different.”

On that possible fight, Arum said: “I don't know what [Ngannou's] contract situation with the UFC is. Obviously it'd be a massive fight, and it should be easy to make.”