Boxing: Tyson Fury turns down rematch with Deontay Wilder for another fight

Tyson Fury has turned down a rematch with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Photo / Getty Images

Tyson Fury has turned down the opportunity to get his hands another belt, with the British boxer choosing to take another fight ahead of a rematch against WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Fury and Wilder fought to a draw in December last year, and the World Boxing Council agreed to sanction a rematch should both parties agree to terms. While it was expected the two would meet in the ring again soon, WBC today announced on social media that wouldn't be the case.

"Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury is officially not happening next. The World Boxing Council has received communications as our process and while WBC Champion Wilder confirmed his willingness to fight the rematch.

Fury will take on another fight with expectations to do rematch at a later date "

BREAKING NEWS: @BronzeBomber vs @Tyson_Fury is officially not happening next. The @WBCBoxing has received communications as our process and while Wilder confirmed its willingness to fight the rematch, Fury will take on another fight with expectations to do rematch at a later date pic.twitter.com/vCkXwsQqCd

— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) February 26, 2019

Fury is believed to have turned down the potential rematch against Wilder to build his profile in the United States on ESPN to make a pay-per-view fight against Wilder a bigger event.

There has been no indication yet as to who Fury will fight instead, however Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker's name was one suggested by ESPN yesterday.

Parker recently turned away a bout against Dereck Chisora, which was scheduled to be held in London in April, after manager David Higgins didn't see a contract.

"We've been trying over the last month to make it happen and have heard a lot of rhetoric but we still don't have a contract," Higgins told the Herald last week.

Higgins confirmed the Kiwi would be happy to take a fight against Fury should the offer arise.

"Some would say that would be the wrong fight for Joe next as Fury is a very tricky opponent. We kind of agree. Joe and I regard Tyson Fury as probably the best heavyweight in the world and the man to beat,.

"We think he's better than Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. That being said, boxing is a risk and return business. Joe has two young children under the age of two… he has to set up everyone [financially]. Fury v Parker would be a massive global event."

Higgins also added there had been no talks between Parker's camp and Fury's about a possible fight.