WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman predicts that former champion Deontay Wilder will be back this year.
Wilder was the WBC champion until he lost his belt in the rematch with Tyson Fury in February 2020. It appeared he would not get a shot at Fury until he won an arbitration case and forced an October trilogy rematch.
In a gruelling match-up, Fury stopped the Bronze Bomber in the 11th round but the 36-year-old American was a much-improved fighter from the figure who made a series of excuses after the first fighter.
That has led Fury to suggest he deserves another shot at the title as he hinted he would walk away from boxing and vacate the WBC strap. Fury delivered another knockout defence on Saturday, when he introduced Dillian Whyte to the Wembley Stadium canvas.
"He's taking it easy, he's weighing up his plans for the future, he had a very busy reign as a champion, two knockout losses to Fury, difficult but he's matured and he's doing very well," Sulaiman told Sky Sports.
"He's having a good time with his wife, he's enjoying life but I'm sure he'll be back.
"He's one of those fighters that you rarely see in the ring that has the ability to knock somebody out with one punch and he has had many exciting fights. He's a great fighter and great person.
"I'm sure he will fight this year."
Wilder could be given a chance to fight for a vacant belt, with Joe Joyce the WBC No. 2, and Joseph Parker No. 3. The pair are due to fight this summer as they wait for one heavyweight belt or another to come up for grabs.