TYSON FURY’S mouthwatering all-British clash against Anthony Joshua looks like being delayed as the WBC say the Gypsy King MUST fight mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte.
It was reported last month that Joshua and Fury had agreed terms for two fights in 2021, where hopefully all the heavyweight belts will be on the line.
Tyson Fury must fulfill his mandatory obligations according to the WBCCredit: Reuters
Dillian Whyte is the WBC’s mandatory challenger and deserves his shot, according to Mauricio SulaimanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Joshua holds the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO straps with Fury the WBC king after sensationally battering Deontay Wilder in February.
The pair were hoping to lay it all on the line once they come through their next fights.
Fury has the trilogy versus Wilder and Joshua faces mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.
However with Wilder undergoing bicep surgery, it’s touch and go to squeeze that in before the year is out.
And now WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has put the skids on the Battle Of Britain.
It is clear that the rules have to be followed
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman
Speaking to World Boxing News the 49-year-old said: “The World Boxing Council has great respect for our current world champion Tyson Fury.
“We recognise his impressive victory in capturing the title this past February. He is a role model as a champion.
“But the WBC has administered the heavyweight division.
“Our annual convention ruled and ordered on each division. Therefore, it is clear that the rules have to be followed.
“The WBC has consistently confirmed that a mandatory bout between the WBC world heavyweight champion must take place with the mandatory challenger and Interim Champion Dillian Whyte.
“This must take place after Fury vs Wilder III.”
There was even talk in the US that Fury could be upgraded to “WBC Franchise Champion” leaving Whyte as the regular champ.
But Sulaiman has dismissed this has even been considered as a option.
He continued: “The WBC would not consider a request to elevate anyone in the heavyweight division to Franchise Champion before that division’s mandatory obligations are fulfilled.”
Anthony Joshua has agreed to fight Tyson Fury twice next yearCredit: Splash News
Tyson Fury returns to gym and looks sharp hitting pads after lockdown workouts ahead of Deontay Wilder trilogy fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
