Wilder wants Fury rematch ‘ASAP’

Deontay Wilder on Tuesday called for an immediate rematch with Tyson Fury, dismissing claims from his British rival he would attempt to avoid a return bout after their epic heavyweight duel in Los Angeles. Wilder retained his World Boxing Council heavyweight crown on Saturday after a thrilling 12-round battle ended in a split decision draw at the Staples Center. Fury, who many observers believe did enough to win despite being knocked down twice during the fight, said on Monday he feared Wilder would seek to duck a rematch “at all costs.”

However the 33-year-old Wilder on Tuesday rejected that claim in the strongest possible terms, saying a rematch with Fury was his priority rather than a unification bout with WBA, IBF and WBO champion Anthony Joshua. “I’m ready to do it again,” Wilder told reporters on a conference call. “My main goal is Tyson Fury. I’m looking forward to giving him the rematch as soon as possible. “This is the biggest fight still in the heavyweight division, this is the most exciting fight in the heavyweight division and we’re ready to give the fans what they want to see.”

Wilder snatched a draw on Saturday after Fury somehow recovered from a devastating 12th round knockdown by the American champion to finish the fight on his feet. Wilder said Tuesday he would make no mistake in any possible rematch. “He woke up from hell -- I want to put him back there,” Wilder said. Fury, who only returned to boxing this year after nearly three years out of the ring as he struggled with depression, drink and drug problems, had said Monday he doubted Wilder would grant him a return. “I’ve got a funny feeling he’s going to get his running shoes out and stay away from me at all costs,” Fury said.