Deontay Wilder Could Fight For WBC Heavyweight Title If Tyson Fury Vacates Belt

Last Friday, Tyson Fury announced that he would be retiring from boxing — again. This news came four months after he left the sport after defeating Dillian Whyte.

After the announcement, Mauricio Sulaiman, The World Boxing Council President, took to social media to give the WBC champion his best wishes.

“We fully support his decision which is a dream for anyone to retire undefeated and as WBC champion. @WBCBoxing will prepare a special farewell event soon,” Sulaiman wrote on Twitter.

Just finished a touching video conference with @Tyson_Fury who has confirmed his official retirement from boxing . We fully support his decision which is a dream for anyone to retire undefeated and as WBC champion of the world.@WBCBoxing will prepare a special farewell event soon pic.twitter.com/2SgCRILldl

— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) August 12, 2022

It then came to light that Fury vacated his RING magazine belt. That belt is now added to the haul of championships on offer this Saturday when Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua meet for a second time.

This past weekend, Izquieradazo.com reported that the governing body has given Fury until August 26 to confirm his retirement in writing. By then, Usyk and Joshua will have already carried out their second fight.

If the WBC belt does become vacant, then former holder, Deontay Wilder, will have ‘first refusal’ on a title fight according to the Daily Star.

Wilder has not fought since his loss to Fury ten months ago, however, he has made it clear he wants to make a comeback.

Good to see @BronzeBomber back in the gym today 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/GQhvARZVxM

— Badou Jack (@BadouJack) August 2, 2022

There had been speculation that Wilder would return in a fight against Robert Helenius sometime later this year. Although, if Fury does potentially let go of the title, Wilder’s return could be much sooner than initially expected.