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Deontay Wilder retains No1 heavyweight ranking ahead of Tyson Fury despite losing world title fights with rival

DEONTAY WILDER has retained his place at No1 in the WBC’s heavyweight rankings, despite twice losing to champion Tyson Fury.

The Bronze Bomber was knocked out by the Gypsy King for a second time earlier this month.

Deontay Wilder was beaten by Tyson Fury in an instant classic earlier this month

Wilder, 35, hasn’t won a fight since beating Luis Ortiz is November 2019.

But after his TEN successful title defences prior to his Fury rematch in February 2020, the Tuscaloosa puncher remains No1 on the WBC’s list.

This doesn’t mean that he is due the next shot at the champion, however.

And nor will that opportunity be handed to No2 ranked Andy Ruiz Jr or No3 ranked Joe Joyce.

The next shot at Fury is set to be handed to Dillian Whyte, should the Brit beat Otto Wallin later this month.

The likes of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua do NOT feature in the WBC’s rankings, due to their exploits with other organisations.

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And nor does Whyte, given that he already holds the WBC’s interim belt – won back courtesy of his rematch victory over Alexander Povetkin back in March.

Despite being due to face Whyte next, provided the 33-year-old beats Wallin, Fury reckons that No3 ranked Joyce is the ‘best one out there’.

Speaking about Fury’s opinion on the Juggernaut, promoter Frank Warren told Sky Sports: “I was talking to Tyson about him. Tyson said that he’s the best one out there.

“That’s what Tyson’s opinion was. Can he go all the way? Yes he can. He’s got a good ticker, a big heart.

“He’s strong, he walks forwards, he is the ‘Juggernaut’. Whoever he’s in there with, you know they will have a problem getting rid of him.

“He’s a tough guy. He can fight a bit. He can punch.”

Fury and Joyce sparred together back in 2018.

Joe Joyce sparred with the Gypsy King in 2018