A rematch between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder has been sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC) following a championship fight in Los Angeles that ended in a contested draw. 

The WBC said in a statement that “a direct rematch has been approved” following a unanimous vote of its board of governors. 

“Wilder and Fury gave boxing one of the best fights in the heavyweight division in a long time, which has created tremendous popular demand for the fans to see a rematch,” it said.

It continued: ”I wish to once again congratulate Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury for their great battle inside the ring and for the exemplary sportsmanship after the bout.”

Fury confirmed he wanted a rematch next summer at Old Trafford, following the fight last weekend, which saw Wilder cling on to his WBC belt. 

“Life goes on. I got robbed blind in America, the world knows it, but we go on,” Fury said on Wednesday evening. “Continue to the next fight.”

Despite Wilder knocking his opponent down twice, including once in the final round, Fury made the bell and was widely considered to have outpointed the American. 

One judge scored the fight 114-112 to Fury, however another saw it as a 115-111 victory for Wilder, and the other a 113-113 tie. 

Fury had held the WBA Super, IBF and WBO belts after beating Ukrainian heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko three years ago, though ultimately lost all three amid a doping controversy and mental health issues. 

Follow the Independent Sport on Instagram here, for all of the best images, videos and stories from around the sporting world.