Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder's world heavyweight title trilogy fight has been postponed ©Getty Images

Tyson Fury's world heavyweight title defence against Deontay Wilder later this month has been postponed after the British boxer tested positive for COVID-19.

The fight for the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt, the third between Fury and Wilder, had been scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on July 24.

Following Fury's positive test and discussions with medical experts, it has been agreed to delay the fight with the American. 

Other members of Fury's camp had also reportedly returned positive tests for the virus.

According to reports, the fight is set to be rescheduled for October.

Tyson Fury is the reigning champion after beating Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas last February ©Getty Images
Tyson Fury is the reigning champion after beating Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas last February ©Getty Images

Fury and American Wilder's first bout ended in a controversial draw, before the Briton claimed the belt from his rival with a seventh-round stoppage at MGM Grand Garden Arena in February 2020.

Complications surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which ground sports events across the world to a halt, had prevented the third fight from being staged and Fury had hoped to move on and face fellow Briton Anthony Joshua in a unification contest.

Wilder won an arbitration hearing which ruled he had contractual grounds for a third bout against Fury.

The latest delay is likely to scupper the possibility of the eagerly-anticipated clash between Fury and Joshua, who holds the other three belts at heavyweight, from happening this year.