'F***ing made it': Tyson Fury's abrupt announcement stuns fans

Tyson Fury has never been one to shy away from playing mental games with an opponent before a fight, but even seasoned boxing experts were taken aback by the heavyweight champ's latest statement.

The 33-year-old, who defeated Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight in October last year, suddenly announced he would be retiring immediately after his upcoming fight against Dillian Whyte.

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Fury's announcement came as something of a shock to boxing fans, given he had unveiled a five-fight plan shortly after his memorable victory over Wilder.

His bout with Whyte was expected to set Fury up for a blockbuster match against the winner between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, a heavyweight unification bout.

That plan looks likely to hit some snags, not least of which is Usyk's return to his native Ukraine to fight against the invasion from Russia.

The Sun reported that Fury had decided the boxing world had little more to offer him after his match with Whyte, with the 33-year-old preferring to enjoy the fruits of his labour.

“This is the final fight of my career. I am retiring after this,” Fury said.

“I’ll have 150 million pounds in the bank, still be healthy, young and good-looking.

“I am going to buy a massive yacht abroad to go with the supercars and properties I have all over the world.

“I am going to sit back with a hot blonde and a pina colada thinking, ‘You know what, I f***ing made it. Boom!’

“I’ll sling some baby oil on and get a tan, that’s what world champions do.”

It's not the first time Fury has vowed to retire, but some fans believe his life outside of boxing might be more valuable to the popular fighter.

Fury memorably made a comeback to the sport, after struggling with his mental health after defeating former world champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Potential Fury opponent Oleksandr Usyk returns to Ukraine

Fury was also asked about Usyk's return to Ukraine to join the frontline, saying it was 'what he should be doing'.

The 33-year-old said he would do the same if it came to that back home, but quipped that he would likely be ineffective on the battlefield.

“When it comes to war on UK soil, I’ll be first up.

“I’ll be first up, I’ll be the easiest target to hit at 6ft 9in, I’ll be dead first.

“Frank (Warren) will be shading from the bullets behind me and I’ll just catch them all like a nutcase.”

The undefeated Usyk - 19-0 - recently moved to heavyweight to defeat champion Anthony Joshua to win the IBF, WBO WBA heavyweight belts.

However, Usyk returned to Ukraine - from London - a few days ago and posted a video captioned: "No war".

Later he added: "I’d like to speak to the people of Russia. If we consider ourselves as brothers, orthodox ones. Do not let your children to set out to our country, do not fight with us.

“Also I’m addressing this to the President Vladimir Putin. You can stop this war. Please just sit down and negotiate it with us without claims.

“Our kids, wives, grannies are hiding in the basements… We are here in our own country, we cannot do it other way – we are defending… Stop it! Stop this war.”

The latest image of Usyk is reminiscent of one from lightweight icon Vasily Lomachenko.

Lomachenko, a three-division champ, took a photo dressed in military gear and carrying an assault rifle after he returned to defend his hometown in the Odessa region.

The startling image of the champ, who joined a territorial defence battalion, follows the path of other Ukrainian sport stars helping out in the war-torn nation.

Lomachenko joined retired heavyweight champions Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko in preparing to take up arms in the fight against Russia.

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