Wilder to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Breazeale in New York

Deontay Wilder is to defend his WBC heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale at New York's Barclays Center. Credit: PA

Deontay Wilder is to defend his WBC heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale at New York's Barclays Center on May 18.

His next fight, will take place a fortnight before IBF, WBA and WBO champion Anthony Joshua defends his titles against Jarrell Miller in the same city.

Equally significant is that Wilder, 33, will again fight on American broadcaster Showtime, having rejected a lucrative offer from streaming service DAZN and therefore remaining separated from Joshua and also Fury, who recently signed with ESPN.

Breazeale, also 33, travelled to London as Joshua's first world-title challenger in 2016 and was stopped in seven rounds. Credit: PA

It is also understood that Fury's next opponent will soon be confirmed for a June 15 bout at a venue in Las Vegas.

Breazeale, also 33, travelled to London as Joshua's first world-title challenger in 2016 and was stopped in seven rounds.

His punch resistance is among the finest in the division and will be tested by its most explosive puncher.

"I'm very happy that I get a chance to get a mandatory out of the way, because I consider mandatories like flies buzzing around my head," Wilder said.

"They bother me. I'm busy. I have things that I want to do. I want to get him out of the way. I'm about to smash this fly. This is a personal fight for me."

Breazeale, who had been on course to fight Dillian Whyte before Fury's agreement with ESPN took him away from Wilder, responded: "I'm excited for the event more so than just fighting Deontay Wilder. I want that WBC title. I know the big shot is coming as long as I set it up the right way."