DEONTAY WILDER is looking to make the next defence of his WBC world heavyweight title against unbeaten Hughie Fury as talks continue to stage a fight in March.
Wilder made the fourth defence of his title against Chris Arreola in July but broke his right hand during the win, an injury which will sideline him until 2017.
Peter Fury, Hughie’s father and trainer, confirmed to Boxing News that the unbeaten American’s team have initiated discussions.
“They’ve been in touch actually, so we’re waiting to see what’s the best way to try and make the fight happen. They’d like to fight Hughie in March,” he revealed.
“It’s up for negotiation at the moment, it’s early days so let’s see if the fight can be made. Both parties want it, so we’ll have to see.
“As long as we get treated fairly and respectfully in the negotiations then Hughie will fight anybody. He probably won’t fight before March if it happens, we’ve got meetings this week and we’ll talk to the team to see what’s what. He’s 22 years old, so there’s time.”
Fury has not fought since his technical decision win over Fred Kassi in April due to an ongoing battle against various illnesses which have hampered his progression in the division.
After seeing several specialists, Hughie has now made a full recovery and Peter claims he is ready to fight whenever and wherever.
“His health problems have been sorted out, he’s put a lot of lean muscle on,” Peter continued. He’s finally filled out, he looks a lot different, he’s a different young man now. All of his illnesses are gone, he’s training well, he’s constantly in training actually, he hasn’t taken his foot off the gas. He could fight tomorrow.
“He had a lot of problems in the past, but all that’s gone so it’s up and up for him. He’s fully recovered, we’re looking forward to seeing him out.”
Though Wilder would represent a huge step up in class for Hughie, cousin of former heavyweight king Tyson Fury, his father is assured that the young contender is ready for all the current champions.
Hughie was recently considered as an opponent for IBF champion Anthony Joshua, though terms could not be agreed.
“Wilder’s a formidable opponent, he’s a lethal puncher and a worthy WBC world champion,” Fury mused.
“Hughie’s reaching for Mount Everest and that’s what we’ve always done in this team, we’re not interested in taking light measures. No one’s avoided like some people think. It would’ve been very nice to get the Anthony Joshua fight but that’s not happening, but it’ll all happen in time to come. No heavyweight is escaping anyone, they’ve all got to clash at some point.”
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