WBC World heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and lineal champion Tyson Fury look set to renew hostilities after the WBC ordered the two camps to negotiate their heavyweight rematch.
After months of speculation surrounding the proposed rematch, the governing body have taken measures to enforce the bout and have given the two camps until February 5th to strike a deal.
If, for whatever reason, a deal cannot be struck, the bout will go to purse bids – with defending champion Wilder receiving 60% of the eventual purse.
The move comes following the WBC’s initial decision to sanction a rematch back in December following the controversial split draw between the two men in Los Angeles on December 1st.
Despite being sent to the canvas twice – including a hellacious twelfth round knockdown – many observers felt Fury deserved to emerge victorious.
The rematch will seek to clear up any lingering controversy, with boxing fans hoping for a definitive conclusion ahead of a potential blockbuster undisputed title showdown between the winner and WBA/WBO/IBF champion Anthony Joshua in 2019.