DILLIAN WHYTE may finally get his well deserved shot at the heavyweight world title.
The British contender was the WBC No1 ranked challenger for over 1,000 days without getting his crack at their famous green and gold belt.
Whyte was due to defend his status as WBC mandatory against Otto Wallin, until he suffered a shoulder injury and was withdrawn by doctors.
The governing body have received proof of the injury and could now be ready to call Fury to fight his long-time rival.
But the Gyspy King’s promoter Frank Warren said it will down to the champion who he fights next, meaning Whyte could need back up alternatives, and here SunSport runs down his full list of options.
Tyson Fury
If all goes to plan – which is not always the case in boxing – Whyte will be mandated by the WBC to fight Fury.
Technically, he is a free agent but has been promoted by Eddie Hearn for much of his career and could be represented by the Matchroom boss in negotiations.
Boxing fans will be desperate for the opposing teams to strike a deal and share the promotional and TV rights.
But, as it is a mandatory defence, if terms are not agreed it will go to purse bids, meaning the highest offer will win the rights to the fight.
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Otto Wallin
If for whatever reasons fans are robbed of the mega-fight, Whyte, 33, will have to look at other options.
Wallin, 30, was by all means handpicked as a stay-busy opponent, and is not contractually in a position to force the rescheduling of the fight.
But Whyte has a warriors mentality, and is evidently irked by suggestions he tactically pulled out with a fake injury.
If he is not able to get Fury, he could chose to settle the score with Wallin once and for all, to prove any cynics wrong.
Andy Ruiz Jr
Mexican-American Ruiz, 32, is another ideal alternative to Fury.
The two came close to fighting last year but terms were not agreed, with Whytetwice facing Alexander Povetkin, 42, and Ruiz beating Chris Arreola, 40.
Following his shock win over Anthony Joshua in 2019, despite the rematch loss, Ruiz still remains a big player in the heavyweight division.
His fast hands combined with Whyte’s aggression and power makes for an intriguing match-up.
Anthony Joshua
While possibly not likely, this domestic rematch will always be an appealing option to both.
Whyte beat Joshua, 32, in the amateurs in 2009 but six years later lost the rematch in the pros.
They were in line to fight again in 2019 but it fell through, leaving the door open to a trilogy decider.
The pair have since gained mutual respect for each other but that would not get in the way of them settling the score in a massive British clash.
Deontay Wilder
Whyte’s years of being overlooked for the WBC belt Wilder that held at the time has created massive animosity between the pair.
The Bronze Bomber, 36, is only likely to be motivated to continue boxing by massive fights.
He has spoken about wanting to put the record straight with Whyte before, who will be more than happy to do so.
Fury would be top of Whyte’s priorities, but Wilder could be a close second.
