Tyson Fury promoter Bob Arum says the Gypsy King will not take opponent Dillian Whyte fight lightly.
Tyson Fury has been ordered by the governing body this week to open negotiations to defend his title with Whyte.
Top Rank’s Arum, who promotes Fury in the US, told Sky Sports: “Why wouldn’t Fury respect Whyte?
“Heavyweights throw bombs. If he doesn’t respect him, he’ll be in a lot of trouble.
“Fury is enough of a professional, and a great fighter, and he knows that you don’t take a guy like Whyte lightly.”
Whyte was first at the pinnacle of the WBC rankings in 2017, and regained his status as interim champion by winning a rematch with Alexander Povetkin.
He is finally set to receive his first-ever world title shot.
“[Fury’s UK-based promoter] Frank Warren talked [on Wednesday] to Tyson who wants to get in the ring in February or March,” revealed Arum.
“We are talking to Whyte now to come to an arrangement to put the fight on in the UK.
“It will be a splendid fight and we are working hard to put it together.”
Undefeated Fury told Sky Sports last month about his next opponent after back-to-back wins over Deontay Wilder: “Whoever is available, whatever makes sense.”
The undisputed heavyweight championship fight could be staged in late-2022, Arum believes.
“Usyk will probably now fight Joshua which he is obligated to do,” he said.
“If Usyk is successful against Joshua, there will be a massive fight – Usyk vs Fury.”
