Eddie Hearn remains focused on gazumping a rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury but says it’s all down to the WBC champion.
Despite the WBC backing a return clash following an epic showdown on December 1, Hearn pointed out that no order was made.
This would leave Wilder free to choose who he faces next. With Anthony Joshua waiting in the wings for April 13, 2019.
The WBC had said: “The World Boxing Council conducted a voting through the Board of Governors. This resulted in a unanimous agreement to sanction a direct rematch between WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
“Wilder and Fury gave boxing one of the best fights in the heavyweight division in a long time. A fight which has created tremendous popular demand for the fans to see a rematch.
“The WBC is happy to confirm that a direct rematch has been approved. We will create in a ruling which will also consider the mandatory status of the division.
“I wish to once again congratulate Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury for their great battle inside the ring and for the exemplary sportsmanship after the bout.”
Asked if this means the end for Joshua’s hopes in response, Hearn told Sky Sports: “No, I think the wording was everything in that one, sanctioned not ordered.
“I think what they’re saying is they would approve the rematch. Dominic Breazeale is mandatory, who is supposed to fight the winner, so what they’re saying is that they would allow the rematch.
“As far as I see, they haven’t ordered it. We’ll see. I don’t think it really changes much. If Wilder wants to fight Fury, he’ll fight Fury. If he wants to be undisputed, he’ll fight Joshua.
“It (a unification fight) can trump anything. I don’t know how much that means to Wilder. It means everything to us, means everything to Joshua, but the rematch is a big fight.”
WHYTE
Joshua is expected to turn to the winner of Dillian Whyte v Dereck Chisora II if Wilder sticks with his plan to fight Fury again – as promised.
“The AJ-Wilder fight is a huge fight,” added Hearn. “AJ against Fury is a huge fight. AJ against Dillian Whyte is a big fight.
“Dillian Whyte is fighting Chisora on December 22, so we’ll see what happens in that one, and anything can happen.
“Last time, we were all talking too much. We’ve made a decision that there will be no talk on this one,” stated the Matchroom boss.
