Tyson Fury could lose WBC title if he doesn't face the winner of Joshua vs Wilder showdown

The WBC Title on the Line

The stakes are high for Tyson Fury as he could potentially be stripped of his WBC heavyweight title if he doesn't agree to face the winner of Anthony Joshua's long-awaited grudge match with Deontay Wilder. The WBC recently ranked Wilder and Joshua as their No1 and No2 heavyweights, giving the fight mandatory status with the possibility of the title being on the line.

AJ Closing In on Wilder Fight

Anthony Joshua has agreed to terms and is closing in on a showdown with Deontay Wilder, a fight that has been in the making for over five years. While the final venue for the bout has yet to be determined, all eyes are on this highly anticipated clash between the two heavyweight giants.

Risks for Fury

According to World Boxing News, Fury "faces being stripped" of his prestigious green and gold WBC title if he refuses to trade blows with either Joshua or Wilder. The Mexican sanctioning body could take action if Fury doesn't agree to face the winner of the fight and defend his belt.

Recent Challenges

Fury hasn't defended his WBC crown since his dominant victory over Derek Chisora in December. Instead, he is set to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a controversial crossover clash in Saudi Arabia next month. However, the WBC has introduced a special "Riyadh Champion" belt for this particular bout, with the official title potentially at risk if Fury doesn't comply with their directives.

Hurdles to Overcome

Before any potential title-stripping can occur, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn must secure a location for the fight with Wilder. Hearn has expressed that everything is in place and they are just waiting on the official contract. Joshua is eager for this battle and if it can't be made, he plans to remain active by taking on other opponents. Hearn even mentioned names like Filip Hrgovic and Andy Ruiz Jr as potential opponents for Joshua, but it is unlikely that these fights will take place in the UK.

Potential Venues

With Joshua having already fought twice at The O2 Arena, Hearn is considering new locations for future fights. Possibilities include Madison Square Garden and venues in the Middle East. The main goal is to keep Joshua active and provide him with opportunities to showcase his skills.