The last punch of Tyson Fury’s tumultuous boxing career crashed into Dillian Whyte’s chin, knocking him to the mat and sending one of his teeth flying into the air.
Fury lifted his right fist in triumph, knowing there was no way back from that uppercut that reverberated throughout Wembley Stadium.
There wasn’t any, to be sure.
Fury overcame fellow Briton and former sparring partner Whyte in front of more than 94,000 spectators inside England’s national soccer stadium with a devastating finish in the last seconds of the sixth round to remain unbeaten in his 33-fight professional career.
With his WBC and Ring Magazine belts across his shoulders, Fury declared in the ring, “This may be the final curtain for the Gypsy King.” “Wow, what a way to leave.” He wasn’t quite done there yet. Fury, a natural entertainer, performed a now-famous post-fight performance of Don McLean’s “American Pie” in front of the largest ever audience for a boxing match in Britain.
On St. George’s Day, he celebrated with his teammates and posed for photos with children, sporting the red and white colours of the English flag.
After 14 years as a professional, Fury was savouring what may be his final minutes in the ring. He put on a clinic during his final bout, he claims.
Whyte was a major step down for Fury following a compelling trilogy with Deontay Wilder in the United States, who generally toyed with his compatriot after measuring him out in a cagey opening couple of rounds.
Fury was in command of the battle until the fifth round, when he dominated. Whyte was knocked down with a body shot and then a straight right, which energised the fans.
By the fourth round, Whyte was beginning to feel out of breath and had a cut around his right eye, maybe from a head clash.
Whyte, who has been a mandatory challenger for a long time, was primarily reckless, hitting some huge but errant blows. He attempted to play rough and get into Fury’s mind in the hopes of landing the one huge punch that would instantly convert him into a celebrity.
Finally, it was Fury’s right hand that brought Whyte to his knees on the canvas.
Whyte ultimately rose to his feet and attempted to signal he was ready to continue, but lurched into the ropes, prompting the referee to call the bout off.
