After their thrilling showdown for the WBC Heavyweight championship less than a week ago, the WBC has sanctioned a “direct rematch” between Deontay Wilder (40-0-1) and Tyson Fury (27-0-1), per BBC.
Wilder and Fury battled to a draw following 12 rounds of action that saw the challenger hit the canvas twice — once in the ninth and again in the 12th and final round. Both Wilder and Fury took to social media after the draw to demand a rematch, and the WBC apparently was happy to oblige.
“Wilder and Fury gave boxing one of the best fights in the heavyweight division in a long time, which has created tremendous popular demand for the fans to see a rematch,” the WBC announced in a statement.
“The WBC is happy to confirm a direct rematch has been approved.”
Wilder’s mandatory next challenger was slated to be Dominic Breazeale (19-1), but the WBC overruled that, coming to the unanimous decision on Friday that the champ would face off yet again with Fury.
The announcement comes after plenty of controversy clouded the first bout, which included Fury appearing to get knocked out in the 12th before rising to his feet like the WWE’s Undertaker, narrowly avoiding the 10-count. While some complained on social media about the referee’s count, MMA veteran referee John McCarthy later set the record straight on what he called “perfect” officiating.
There’s no question Fury and Wilder will be aiming to keep the decision out of the judges hands when they match up for round two.
