Fury-Whyte bids postponed for one week

WBC Champion Tyson Fury and interim WBC champion Dillian Whyte bids were postponed for at least one week. Call for proposals was set for January 11, but now will not take place until January 18, as Whyte plans to appeal the split of fees assigned for the championship fight.

The proposed battle of the British super heavyweights comes with a wide pay gap in favor of Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs), who was previously approved by the WBC, 80 to 20. This decision is contrary to the general rules of the WBC, which allows a split of 55 by 45 between the champion and interim champion, adjustable up to 70 to 30 at the discretion of the sanctioning authority itself.

The 80/20 section request came from Top Rank at the WBC's 59th Annual Convention in Mexico City. The issue was brought up for discussion due to ongoing litigation between Whyte (28-2, 18 KOs) and the WBC, which at the time refused to rule but allowed both parties to negotiate. The WBC decision at the end of the year ended up in favor of the reigning champion.

“The 80-20 division is based on the fees that fighters have received in their recent fights,” said Mauricio Suleiman, president of the WBC.

Last week, Whyte and promoter Eddie Hearn announced plans to appeal the WBC's decision, and their next step will be a hearing either in court or by an appointed arbitrator. This decision would potentially cause one additional delay for Whyte to get his first chance at a full title.