Fury to fight before Wilder rematch: WBC
Tyson Fury is planning another fight before climbing back into the ring with Wilder.
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Tyson Fury has informed the World Boxing Council he plans to fight an as-yet-unnamed opponent before any rematch with reigning heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, the WBC said Tuesday.
The WBC said on Twitter that it had been notified by Fury s camp that the British fighter was planning another fight before climbing back into the ring with Wilder.
Wilder and Fury fought to a draw in Los Angeles in December after an epic 12-round battle at the Staples Center.
Their rematch is likely to be one of the most anticipated fights of the year following a first meeting which reignited interest in the heavyweight division.
However, doubts over a possible rematch emerged last week when Fury signed a deal with US promoter Top Rank and ESPN, potentially complicating negotiations with Wilder.
On Tuesday, the WBC confirmed that Fury s team had notified them that they planned to fight at least once more before scheduling a rematch.
Wilder "vs @Tyson_Fury is officially not happening next," the WBC said on Twitter.
"@WBCBoxing has received communications as our process and while Wilder confirmed its willingness to fight the rematch, Fury will take on another fight with expectations to do rematch at a later date."
The WBC had earlier given the greenlight for a direct rematch between Wilder and Fury following their December 1 meeting.
"Wilder and Fury gave boxing one of the best fights in the heavyweight division in a long time, which has created tremendous popular demand for the fans to see a rematch," the WBC said in December.
Wilder, who retained his title with a controversial split decision draw against Fury, had earlier signalled his desire to schedule a rematch as quickly as possible.
"I m ready to do it again," Wilder said last December. "I m looking forward to giving him the rematch as soon as possible."
