Tyson Fury may be given mandatory challenger amid fruitless search for opponent
The WBC heavyweight champion has recently been linked with Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr and Zhilei Zhang
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The World Boxing Council (WBC) may give Tyson Fury a mandatory challenger in a bid to help the heavyweight champion secure fight, according to its president Mauricio Sulaiman.
Fury last fought in December, stopping Derek Chisora in London to retain his title and stay unbeaten, and the “Gypsy King” has struggled to find an opponent in the time since.
Fury, 34, has called out fellow Briton Anthony Joshua and been linked with Andy Ruiz Jr and Zhilei Zhang, among others. No bout has materialised, however, and the WBC may step in.
“We have to take some action,” Sulaiman told Sky Sports. “There are different options. I’m going to address this with the board of governors, because already we’re entering June and there’s no scenario.
“Tyson Fury will make us proud and show who the WBC champion is.”
When asked whether Joshua could be named as Fury’s mandatory challenger, Sulaiman said: “That’s a possibility. If [Deontay] Wilder and Ruiz are not fighting for the final elimination, Joshua’s right there at No 3. That’s possible.
“I don’t want to speculate, because that would be irresponsible to try to make something up. We have to go through a process. The WBC board of governors will make that decision.
“At this stage, anything is possible. There’s too much talent, too many great fights, too many great combinations that could be made for heavyweight, and everything is stalled.”
Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments