The British heavyweight hasn't fought since his crushing first-round knockout loss to rising star Moses Itauma last August but is adamant that he can "still operate at the top level".

Asked about the possibility of retirement, Whyte told Sky Sports: "No, no, no, because I knew what I am, I know who I am.

"I know how capable I am. I know I can still operate at the top level. I just have to be more mindful, learn from my mistakes and make sure certain things don't happen again, you know."

Whyte explained that his performance against Itauma in Saudi Arabia last year wasn't reflective of his true skill in the ring.

He said: "One million per cent, I'm not going to go into it because I don't want to take away from the kid's win, he's done his thing, he won.

"It wasn't me. And anybody with a brain can see that. But it is what it is. Sometimes s*** happens and you have to just get on with it, you have to suck it up and get on with it."

Meanwhile, Whyte also feels that his British rival Anthony Joshua is "getting back in the ring too soon" following last year's car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends - with the former heavyweight world champion lined up to fight Deontay Wilder before an all-British bout against Tyson Fury.

He said: "The Tyson Fury fight, run that fight and see what his mind is, see his mentality. They've been through a lot lately. I personally think he's getting back in the ring too soon.

"I think he needs some more time to digest and break down what's happening. Because what's happening to him is a heavy loss. It's not light, it's a heavy loss.

"You think, if you're in a car crash with two random strangers and they die, it will be heavy. Imagine your best friends, your family, it's a heavy loss."