Fury beats Whyte to retain world boxing heavyweight title

But 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.

He was clearly on unsteady legs after the bout’s first significant strike.

Fury (now 32-0-1, 23KOs) was able to use his considerable height and reach advantage to keep Whyte at bay.

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.(dpa/NAN)