Fury squares off with Jamaican-born Whyte

(AP):

So much comes out of Tyson Fury's mouth during fight week that it's hard to know which aspects to gloss over and what to take seriously from one of boxing's most colourful and controversial characters.

Yet, on one matter, the world heavyweight champion appears to be consistent. His title defence against Dillian Whyte last Saturday is going to be his last fight before retirement.

"I'm getting out healthy and in one piece. Undefeated," the self-styled "Gypsy King" said.

"Tune in now because you're never going to get to see big 'GK' in action again after this. This is it."

If this is indeed it -- and it's probably right to be sceptical, given Fury is 33 and making more money than he ever has atop boxing's marquee division -- then what a way to go.

An all-British fight at Wembley Stadium in London in front of more than 94,000 spectators, the biggest-ever capacity for a boxing bout staged on these shores.

Sure, the occasion would have been grander had the opponent been Anthony Joshua, Britain's other big player among the heavyweights. The money at stake probably would have been bigger, too, even if the successful purse bid of US$41 million for the Whyte fight makes this the richest in boxing history.

Fury, though, seems content with his lot.

There he was this week, taking part in what was billed as a "stare-down" between the two Brits as they went head-to-head for the first time in what has been a fairly low-key build-up.

After a few seconds, Fury chose to tickle the ribs of Whyte and then gave his opponent -- and former sparring partner -- the earnest of handshakes.

Make no mistake, though. Fury will be deadly serious come Saturday night when he fights on home soil for the first time since 2018 -- and against someone not called Deontay Wilder for the first time since 2019 -- in defence of his WBC belt.

Whyte has his own memorable back-story, though, involving being drawn into London's gang culture in his youth following his move to Britain from Jamaica, a short stint in prison, and a two-year suspension from boxing for testing positive for a banned stimulant.

He spent so long getting overlooked for a shot at the world heavyweight title, despite being mandatory challenger, that he wondered if his time would ever come.

Whyte is largely unknown, except for in boxing circles in Britain. This is his big chance to make a name for himself, sending Fury into retirement in the process.

"It's victory by any means necessary," Whyte said. "... I'm not scared to take risks, I've taken risks my whole life so it's nothing new. I'm ready to rock and roll."