Deontay Wilder hopes of Tyson Fury challenge boosted as WBC give Robert Helenius bout elimination

Deontay Wilder could force a fourth heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury after the WBC gave the American's return bout against Robert Helenius "elimination" status.

Former WBC champion Wilder hasn't fought since losing by knockout to Fury in their third meeting in October 2021, but recently announced he will make his comeback against Finland's Helenius in Brooklyn on October 15.

Fury, who has twice announced his retirement since defending his title against fellow Brit Dillian Whyte in April, is currently in talks over an undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk, after the Ukrainian retained the WBO, WBA and IBF belts with a rematch victory over Anthony Joshua.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that the organisation has also given former heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr's bout with Luis Ortiz elimination status, setting up a possible showdown between the winner of that contest and Wilder's clash with Helenius.