WBC order 'interim' title fight between Dillian Whyte and Dominic Breazeale
Dillian Whyte (25-1) and Dominic Breazeale (20-1) have been ordered to fight by the WBC for an interim heavyweight title.
The WBC Board of Governors voted unanimously to order an interim title in the heavyweight division under the WBC rules and regulations.
Caliornian Breazeale, 33, became the mandatory contender of the WBC Heavyweight championship way back in November 2017. Breazeale, in an exemplary action, accepted the WBC’s ruling to support the efforts to potentially finalise the fight between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua throughout 2018, as well as accepting the WBC sanctioning of a voluntary defense of the champion vs Tyson Fury, which took place on December 2018.
The WBC’s ruling during its recent annual convention, celebrating its 56th Anniversary, addressed the Wilder vs Fury rematch, the potential Wilder vs Joshua future fight, as well as the status of the mandatory obligations of the division. After the sensational fight between Wilder and Fury, which was scored a draw, the WBC accepted to rule a direct rematch by popular demand.
In order to provide activity to the heavyweight division and address the rights of Breazeale as the rightful mandatory challenger, who has been patiently waiting his turn, the WBC decided to order a fight for the interim championship with Londoner Whyte.
'The Body Snatcher', 30 from Brixton, is the current WBC Silver Champion and has defended his championship three times in 2018.
The free negotiations period has begun and if there is no agreement between the parties, the WBC will conduct a purse bid in Mexico City headquarters on March 19. If promoter Eddie Hearn wins purse bids then the date of April 20 has already been assigned for London's O2 Arena.
Both Whyte and Breazeale have suffered the only defeat of their career to IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World champion Anthony Joshua and victory for either would put them in contention for a world title shot.
The pair failed to agree terms when talks were held over a potential bout last year, but with a shot at Deontay Wilder's WBC title likely to be at stake this time around, there is plenty of motivation to make the fight.
The Jamaican-born 'Lone Wolf', trained by Mark Tibbs, elevated his standing in the heavyweight division with victories over Lucas Browne, Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora in 2018.
Whyte had been in negotiations for a rematch with Joshua at Wembley, but branded the offer sent to him as 'utterly ridiculous'.
Whyte vs Breazeale is likely to be fixed for April 20 at London's O2, with Dave Allen set to take on Lucas Browne on the same card.