The World Boxing Council (WBC) has a clear plan for the next big showdown after the Fury-Usyk negotiations hit a snag over contract terms. WBC President Mauricio Suleiman revealed who will square off against Tyson Fury once the dust settles, signaling a shift in the heavyweight title picture and keeping fans focused on the potential paths to another Fury title defense. Suleiman stated that under the updated WBC framework, the winner of a decisive matchup between Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz will become Fury’s next challenger for the crown. The statement underscores the federation’s preference for a transparent, merit-based process to crown the next absolute world heavyweight champion.
The title bout between Fury and Usyk was anticipated as a unification coup, but contractual disagreements prevented the contest from moving forward. That standoff left Fury without a confirmed challenger, while Usyk’s camp and boxing’s governing bodies looked to realign the calendar. The WBC’s proposed route focuses on an interim structure that honors prior achievements and readiness to compete, even as negotiations linger.
Usyk returns to the ring having recently claimed a dominant victory over Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on August 20. The Ukrainian remains the holder of several major world belts, with the IBF, WBO, IBO, and WBA all recognizing his status as a world champion in the heavyweight division. Fury, meanwhile, sits as the reigning WBC world champion, a status he has used to frame ongoing conversations about the sport’s top prize.
In the background, team members and boxing staff have been fielding questions as to whether Fury will pursue further defense before facing a unification rematch. The current discussions emphasize a structured, business-minded path that prioritizes a worthy challenger and a clear route to the title for fans around North America. Shade has been cast on the talk that Fury might retreat from competition; instead, officials keep the focus on a concrete path to crown the next champion.
Sugar Hill Steward, who previously trained Fury, addressed lingering rumors about any hesitation to face Usyk. Steward noted that there was no fear motivating Fury and that the team remains committed to pursuing high-stakes bouts. The exchange highlights the contrasting narratives that surround heavyweight boxing today, where public rumors often ride alongside official statements as the sport charts its next big events.