According to Frank Warren, the lead promoter for heavyweight contender Tyson Fury, it was ESPN who came down with the ultimate decision to take a pass on the scenario of doing an immediate rematch with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Wilder and Fury fought to a controversial draw on Showtime Pay-Per-View last December at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

A rematch appeared to be close to a deal, before Fury shocked the sport by signing a co-promotional deal with Top Rank and ESPN.

Fans were up in arms earlier this week, when it was officially announced that Fury had removed himself from facing Wilder next - and instead would take an interim-fight - and then pursue the Wilder rematch. The WBC officially canceled their mandate for the rematch.

Warren explained that he was fully on board with doing the rematch next, and so was Fury, but Top Rank and ESPN had other ideas.

"ESPN are insisting that he has a fight on there before he fights Wilder," Warren told BBC Radio 5 live.

"(It) will give him bigger exposure, and thus make pay-per-view a bigger attraction when they do the pay-per-view.

"Tyson wanted the fight (with Wilder). I certainly wanted it. A little bit disappointed in some ways, but that's the decision they've made."

Wilder is under contract with Premier Boxing Champions, who have content deals with Showtime and Fox Sports. Wilder is now likely going to fight WBC mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale on the date of May 18th.

It's unknown when Fury will return, but dates in May and June are being kicked around, and former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been mentioned as a possible opponent.

Their main heavyweight rival - WBA, IBO, WBA, IBF world champion Anthony Joshua - is scheduled to return on June 1 against unbeaten Jarrel Miller and Madison Square Garden in New York City.