Tyson Fury names his chosen opponent for Joshua-Usyk 2 winner
Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23KOs) retained his WBC World heavyweight championship on April 23 under the arch at Wembley Stadium with a sixth-round knockout of mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte (28-3, 19KOs).
The only other titleholder in the blue-ribbon division is Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13KOs), who is mandated to face Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22KOs) in a rematch, likely to take place in July this year. The winner of that return fight, which is rumoured to be held in Saudi Arabia on July 23, will immediately demand to face the WBC champion in the first undisputed heavyweight bout since November 1999.
Asked who he would like to see replace him in an undisputed heavyweight fight when speaking to Behind the Gloves, unbeaten Tyson Fury said: "I'd like to see Deontay Wilder fight whoever [wins in Joshua-Usyk rematch] for it again."
Wilder is still the No.1 WBC contender despite losing his last two fights to Fury, to which he responded: "I know, I don't know how that's even possible, he's lost three fights in a row and still number one rated, but that's up to them."
He then praised his ex-adversary, who is often criticised for cherry-picking his opponents: "One thing, Deontay made 10 title defences, more than anybody else. He equalled Muhammad Ali's record, beat Vitali Klitschko's record, doesn't get the credit he deserves.
"I do believe Deontay Wilder is the second-best heavyweight in the world. And I believe he knocks everybody else out but me."
The Gypsy King had heaped praise upon Dillian Whyte instantly after their fight last Saturday night: "Dillian Whyte is a warrior and I believe he will be a world champion, but tonight he met a great in this sport, one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time.
"There is no disgrace. He is a tough, game man. He is a strong bull and has the heart of a lion. but he was not messing with a mediocre heavyweight. He was messing with the best heavyweight on the planet."
Fury has repeatedly voiced his plans to retire, although many believe he will want to fight on further.
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