WBC Heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury is yet to step into the ring in 2023. His last fight was against Derek Chisora last December. Although it has not been that long, the lack of ongoing talks with anybody might lead the WBC to force a match with a mandatory challenger. 

Talks for a long-awaited unification bout against WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk fell through earlier this year, leaving Fury without a scheduled opponent or boxing date. Usyk has also been inactive since his August rematch victory over Anthony Joshua. 

The lack of activity in the heavyweight division has raised concerns, prompting Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the WBC, to consider ordering a mandatory challenger for Fury.

Sulaiman expressed his determination to address the issue: “We cannot remain idle. Tyson Fury will show who the true WBC champion is, and we are working on establishing a clear scenario for his next fight.”

Previously, the WBC had ordered Deontay Wilder to face Andy Ruiz in a final eliminator for the mandatory challenger spot. However, that fight did not come to fruition.

Sulaiman acknowledged the potential inclusion of Anthony Joshua as a mandatory challenger, stating, “If Wilder and Ruiz are not available for the final elimination, Joshua’s high ranking puts him in contention. It is a possibility that we will consider.”

The heavyweight division has faced challenges in making significant fights, and Sulaiman expressed his hope for progress: “There have been disappointments, but we must overcome greed and power struggles. We aim to make the fights happen, and Fury is eager to take on any opponent.”

With uncertainty surrounding Fury’s next fight, fans and pundits eagerly await an update from the WBC regarding the mandatory challenger. The boxing world is eager to see Fury back in action and continue his journey as the reigning heavyweight champion.

Leon Osamor