The WBC has sanctioned a “direct rematch” between heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

Britain’s Fury and American Wilder shared a controversial and thrilling draw in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren said both parties want a rematch and his fighter is pushing for it to be in the UK.

In a statement by the WBC, which clearly affirmed that there was a “unanimous agreement” to sanction a rematch in a meeting of the board of governors.

“Wilder and Fury gave boxing one of the best fights in the heavyweight division in a long time, which has created tremendous popular demand for the fans to see a rematch,” it said.

“The WBC is happy to confirm a direct rematch has been approved and will create in a ruling which will also consider the mandatory status of the division.”

Although Fury was knocked down in the ninth and 12th rounds, many observers thought the 30-year-old Briton should have won the bout, which was scored 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113-113.

Fury said he had “never seen a worse decision in my life” and described it as a “gift” for his opponent.

In an Instagram post in response, Wilder, 33, said: “You saw the best Fury but you did not get the best Wilder and I still managed to get the job done.”

Wilder also questioned if referee Jack Reiss’ count was too slow in Fury’s remarkable rise from the canvas in the 12th round, which Reiss has denied.