Bob Arum warns Dillian Whyte that Tyson Fury could fight Andy Ruiz Jr or Joseph Parker next instead of him, if a deal is not agreed

Tyson Fury's US co-promoter Bob Arum has warned Dillian Whyte he may not be the next opponent for the 'Gypsy King'.

The WBC have now officially ordered Fury to defend his heavyweight title against Whyte, but the situation with negotiations remains unclear as they are yet to rule on a split if the bout goes to purse bids.

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As such, the situation could drag on - something Arum is not happy with.

Fury has made it clear to him and his UK co-promoter Frank Warren that he intends to return to the ring in March.

Following the WBC's order, this will now have to be against Whyte, unless he either vacates the belt or finds some other workaround to allow an interim bout.

Due to the legal situation ongoing regarding Whyte's long-awaited title shot, an interim bout appears unlikely and it seems Fury would have to vacate if he is to face anyone other than the 'Body Snatcher' next.

However, Arum did not expressly state whether or not this would be the case.

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Arum told talkSPORT Fight Night: "If we can't come to a deal with Dillian Whyte, we'll do a fight for the Ring Magazine belt and the 'lineal' title and we'll pick another opponent

"We've gotta get Tyson back in the ring by the end of March…

"Frank [Warren] and I are determined to come to him with an opponent that's acceptable and we'd love to do that fight in Cardiff.

"Andy Ruiz Jr is a possibility.

"Joseph Parker I see had a good victory over Derek Chisora - that could be a possibility.

"And we're looking at a couple of other names that might be appropriate."