For now at least, given the WBC has notified Fury of a new deadline by which he must confirm his future intentions. The 34-year-old beat Dillian Whyte at Wembley in April and said after the fight that he would keep the promise he made to partner Paris by hanging up his gloves.
The recent decision to vacate ‘The Ring’ title was the clearest indicator yet that Fury is genuine regarding his plans to step away from the sport. Joshua and Usyk might have hoped to be fighting for a full set of silverware in Saudi Arabia this Saturday, but the WBC belt will remain out of reach for the time being.
“The WBC has been in communication with Tyson Fury and his promoters regarding his status as champion,” read a statement from the organisation. “WBC has set Friday Aug 26th, as the last day to receive official written confirmation from them. Our organisation will not comment further until then.”
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