Tyson Fury declares he landed the 'best punch of his career' to knock out Dillian Whyte

In his first fight on UK soil since August 2018, Fury was treated to a hero’s welcome by a capacity crowd and largely dictated the tempo before ending proceedings in devastating fashion.

A vicious uppercut caught Whyte flush on the chin before he was disdainfully pushed over on to his back, and while the mandatory challenger beat the count, referee Mark Lyson waved off the fight.

Whyte could have few complaints at a halt being called with just one second remaining before the fight reached the midway point as he was clearly on unsteady legs after the bout’s first significant strike.

"Dillian is a warrior and I believe he will be a world champion," said Fury, who spent the week ahead of the fight fending off questions over his business dealing with Irish mob boss, Daniel Kinahan.

. "I spoke to him after the fight and gave him a kiss and a cuddle, but he faced one of the greats in there.

"You are not messing with a mediocre heavyweight, you are messing with the best man on the planet. I'm the best heavyweight there has every been. No one in boxing could ever have beaten me.

"That was the perfect uppercut and as soon as it landed I knew the fight was over. A beautiful peach. I boxed really well and then landed the punch that mattered.

"What a night that was. I'm overwhelmed by the support. I cannot believe 94,000 countrymen and women came here to watch me. From the bottom of my heart thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and stayed up late to watch this fight."

Fury had vowed to retire after this homecoming fight and he suggested he would stand by that vow after his win against Whyte.

"I promised my wife that would be it after the [Deontay] Wilder fight, but I got offered a fight at Wembley and I owed it to the fans," he added. "Now it's all over and what a way to go out.

"I'm going to retire as only the second heavyweight champion after Rocky Marciano to retire undefeated. I'm happy to go home with my wife and leave boxing behind.

"I've won every belt there is to win in the game. If this was a computer game, it would definitely be completed!

"There is a lot of money to be made out there, but this not about money for me. This is not about legacy or fast cars. This is about punching another fella in the face.

"I am good at boxing and I have got well paid for it, but boxing is not everything. It won't change me as a man."

The 6ft 9in Fury (now 32-0-1, 23KOs) was able to use his considerable height and reach advantage to keep Whyte at bay while the challenger was made to look clumsy and cumbersome in contrast to his foe.

Whyte, cut over his right eye after an accidental clash of heads, was first installed as the WBC’s number one contender nearly four years ago but he was unable to impose himself as he found himself tied up whenever he attempted to close the distance.

Fury has repeatedly suggested in recent weeks that he would end his glittering career and, after treating the crowd to a rendition of Don McLean’s American Pie following his win, he said: “This might be the final curtain for the Gypsy King.”

If this is the finish then a highlight-reel punch in front of a post-war British record crowd is a satisfying climax to the career of a modern great, even if much-anticipated showdowns against WBA, IBF and WBO titlist Oleksandr Usyk or another domestic rival in Anthony Joshua go begging.

Fury's association with Kinahan may scar his legacy for many observers, but he will certainly be remembered as a great heavyweight champion by boxing fans around the world.