Tyson Fury has named Deontay Wilder as the second-best heavyweight in world boxing - behind himself - two months on from beating the American in their trilogy bout.
Fury retained his WBC crown in October as he beat Wilder for a second time in Las Vegas, securing an 11th-round knockout to maintain his unbeaten record and confirm his place at the top of the tree in the heavyweight division.
All eyes are now on what will be in store for him in 2022, with Dillian Whyte a potential opponent after his challenge was ordered by the WBC, while Fury will be looking at a unification bout against the winner of Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk later in the year.
An all-British clash between Fury and Joshua has been spoken about for years while Usyk proved his class when dominating AJ in September.
But in Fury’s view, neither are at the level Wilder is and the trilogy bout was crowned ‘fight of the year’ by The Ring Magazine.
“I’m running out of things to win!” Fury quipped. “I’m absolutely ecstatic and overwhelmed to be recognised by Ring Magazine yet again. That’s more awards to add to the collection and more plaques to put on the wall.
“I’m absolutely delighted, and I’d like to give a big shout out to Deontay Wilder, because I needed a dance partner in order to win this award.”
There has been speculation that Wilder, 36, could retire but Fury added: “I’d like to see him fight on. Because he has a lot to give to the sport.
“I still think he’s the second-best heavyweight out there, and I still think he knocks everybody out except me - 100 percent.”
