The quest by IBF, WBA 'Super' and WBO heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua to fight Deontay Wilder in a unification bout may be delayed as the WBC holder has announced he has signed for a rematch with Tyson Fury if he beats Luis Ortiz.

According to Skysports, Joshua's hopes for an undisputed world heavyweight title fight were put on hold when Wilder revealed on Wednesday morning that he would next defend his WBC belt against Ortiz, a decision described as "embarrassing" by promoter Eddie Hearn.

 

The announcement came after Joshua had requested a 'face to face' meeting with Wilder to seal unification bout deal. Joshua, who holds the IBF, WBA 'Super' and WBO belts, will defend his titles in his first American outing against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York on Saturday night.


Wilder who took to his Twitter handle to announce Fury rematch said: "Luis Ortiz is first then Tyson Fury next."


Fury is the only boxer that Wilder has faced and not defeated, after the pair battled to a draw in December in Los Angeles.


Fury controlled much of the fight only to be knocked down twice, including one in the 12th round that looked to be the deciding blow.