WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has announced Tyson Fury will take on another opponent before a rematch with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
The governing body had ordered a rematch after the pair fought out an epic draw in their first fight in December but Fury will now “take on another fight” before turning his attention to Wilder.
“While WBC champion Wilder confirmed his willingness to fight the rematch, Fury will take on another fight with expectations to do the rematch at a later date.”
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren confirmed the news on Talksport radio on Wednesday morning.
“It’s not our doing,” said Warren. “ESPN and Top Rank want to give Tyson an exposure fight in the [United] States first and then have the Wilder fight afterwards.
“It’s unfortunate, but we’re hoping to get a fight in September or October.”
Last week Fury announced a lucrative deal with ESPN that makes it the “exclusive” broadcaster of his fights in the United States and that made negotiations difficult given Wilder has a deal with network Showtime.
However, after the announcement of that deal Fury’s promoter Frank Warren insisted the Wilder-Fury rematch remains likely.
Speaking earlier this month, Warren said he remained confident a second bout between the pair would be agreed.
“Tyson wants (the rematch),” said Warren. “We all want it and will make it happen. It’s a different situation now. Showtime’s not the only game in town. It’s changed dramatically, so it’s up to us now to sit down and get it over the line.
“I want him out as soon as possible. Talks are continuing but he’s not going to sit around waiting. We’ll get him out.
“He wants to be active and become a big star. The name of the game’s get out there, get busy, and get those belts.”
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