Dominic Breazeale and Dillian Whyte have been ordered to fight for an interim title in the WBC's heavyweight division.
Breazeale became the mandatory challenger for Deontay Wilder's WBC heavyweight title in November 2017 but took a back seat as the "Bronze Bomber" failed to agree to a unification fight with IBF, WBA and WBO champion Anthony Joshua before opting to defend his belt against Tyson Fury in December 2018.
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With a rematch between Wilder and Fury after their controversial draw at Staples Center in Los Angeles already sanctioned, the WBC has called for an interim championship in a bid to provide activity in the division.
BREAKING NEWS: WBC orders Interim Title in Heavyweight Division.
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) February 12, 2019
Read here: https://t.co/PpTGuZw4Pa#WBC #Boxing #GreenBelt #BreazealeWhyte pic.twitter.com/8EfIUU8wdD
Breazeale (20-1) and Whyte (25-1) — who holds the WBC silver heavyweight title — both suffered the only defeat of their respective careers to Joshua.
Whyte had been touted as the next man to face Matchroom stablemate Joshua, having followed up a victory over former WBO king Joseph Parker by beating Dereck Chisora.
However, Joshua appears set to instead opt for a debut fight in the United States, which is expected to be against Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden in June.
Breazeale and Whyte failed to agree to terms for a fight in 2018 but a potential shot at Wilder's WBC title for the victor may provide greater motivation to make the bout this year.