DILLIAN WHYTE has been ranked as one of the top five heavyweight boxers in the world by Tyson Fury ahead of their blockbuster showdown.
The British rivals square off inside the ring next week for the WBC title at Wembley in front of 94,000 fans.
And the Gypsy King is aware of the danger that the Body Snatcher possesses, despite previously insisting he will knock him out easily.
The unbeaten Mancunian, 33, has now stated that Whyte is deserving of his shot for the world title having been the WBC mandatory challenger for over 1,250 days.
Speaking in a virtual press call, Fury was asked to rank his upcoming opponent.
To which he said: “He’s definitely in the top five heavyweights.
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“He’s the number one ranked WBC contender. Like everybody knows, he’s been the mandatory challenger for like 147 years.
“So yeah, he deserves his shot, he’s getting his shot at the title and that’s it not so much more that we can say.
“Dillian’s definitely a top five heavyweight and if he beats me he’ll be ranked number one, so all to play for.”
Fury has also backtracked on his decision to retire after the domestic dust-up as he insisted he isn’t underestimating his upcoming opponent.
He remarked: “I am only thinking about Dillian Whyte at this moment, I am not thinking about retirement.
“That will all come after I have had the fight and we will think about what is to come, what the future holds for me.
“At the minute I have a massive task in Dillian. A lot of people are underestimating Dillian Whyte – but not me.
“I give the guy all the respect he deserves throughout the training camp, I have been training since January, breaking all records in the gym, so I am feeling good, looking good.
“I am not underestimating this guy and have given him the respect I did for Deontay Wilder.”
- Fury vs Whyte – UK start time, TV channel and live stream info for massive heavyweight clash
