Tyson Fury vs Tom Schwarz: Kubrat Pulev emerges as favourite to be next opponent before Deontay Wilder rematch
The Bulgarian is also with Bob Arum's Top Rank and could fight Fury next before a second fight with the WBC champion Wilder in 2020
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Kubrat Pulev has emerged as a front-runner to fight Tyson Fury next with Top Rank eyeing up a date in October or November.
WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has confirmed terms are agreed to fight for a second time after another rematch with Luis Ortiz.
It has led Bob Arum to eye their own warm-up fight, with Pulev now a contender, according to DAZN's Chris Mannix.
Top Rank know Pulev is the No 1 contender for the IBF belt, currently owned by Andy Ruiz Jr, who stunningly beat Anthony Joshua this month.
If the body calls for a mandatory defence, then Ruiz Jr will likely vacate the belt due to his obligation to rematch Joshua.
That could leave Pulev to fight for the belt, while also facing Fury.
The Bulgarian created controversy earlier this year, kissing a female reporter on the lips after beating Bogdan Dinu, with his status uncertain following disciplinary and legal proceedings.
The Brit is delighted with his performance at the MGM Grand, claiming he made a statement.
"I felt like this was my coming out party," Fury said. "I wanted to put on a statement and show.
"I’m just a chubby guy who comes and has fun!"
Fury insisted he is the rightful No 1 in the division, despite not possessing one of the four main belts.
"The Heavyweight division was a three-horse race," Fury said.
"One (Joshua) got beat and then there were two. And I already beat him (Wilder) once."
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