JOSHUA BLOW AS WBC SANCTION WILDER-FURY II

TYSON FURY and Deontay Wilder moved a step closer to a second fight last night after the WBC sanctioned a direct rematch. Fury’s camp had lobbied for a rematch after his challenge for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title ended in a controversial draw. A meeting of the WBC’s body of governors reached unanimous agreement to sanction the return bout, meaning Wilder can take the fight, despite the mandatory challenger status of Dominic Breazeale. A WBC statement read: ‘Wilder and Fury gave boxing one of the best fights in the heavyweight division in a long time, which has created tremendous demand for fans to see a rematch.’ If terms are agreed between Fury and Wilder, it will kill off Anthony Joshua’s hopes of a fight with the American in April.