“As a former champion, he has rights and privileges and absolutely I’m sure the winner might be highly ranked within the WBC,” Sulaiman told Sky Sports.
Why one fight rewires the ladder
The WBC will not be waiting to see form or timing. History carries Fury through the door. The belt he once held still counts. Activity doesn’t erase that status.
Most heavyweights earn a top position through fighting. Ten rounds here. Twelve there. A pair of lifeless wins just to remain visible. Fury bypasses that route. Makhmudov advantages too. Win this, and his standing jumps without years of grinding.
Sulaiman leaned on the opponent’s credentials to justify it. “Makhmudov was a WBC International and Silver champion, he’s solid, strong. To come back back from a protracted layoff out the ring, it’s an interesting challenge for Fury,” he said.
What the WBC is basically rewarding
Sulaiman didn’t hide the larger picture. “Tyson Fury is Tyson Fury. He’s a sensational ambassador for boxing, great fighter, he has an incredible following and I’m very excited,” he said.
Profile still counts. So does past praise. The sanctioning body treats Fury as energetic currency, even after time away.
Age didn’t slow the endorsement either. “Tyson has never been hurt. He’s all the time in shape, all the time focused. I believe there’s Tyson Fury [in boxing] for a protracted while,” Sulaiman said.
None of this speaks to footwork, timing, or ring rust. It speaks to access. The rating comes first. The rounds come later.
That’s the WBC system. Former champions step back in near the front. Everyone else keeps lining up.