Deontay Wilder @bronzebomber believes British heavyweight Tyson Fury @gypsyking101 is avoiding a rematch with him after being concussed in their first bruising encounter in Los Angeles last year.

Speaking to journalists on a conference call Thursday ahead of his May 18 title defense against Dominic Breazeale in New York, Wilder insisted he would have been happy to fight Fury again after last December’s draw at the Staples Center.

Hopes of a rematch effectively ended when Fury signed a multi-fight deal with US broadcaster ESPN, complicating negotiations for a possible return against unbeaten World Boxing Council champion Wilder.

Fury’s first fight since his battle with Wilder will instead be against lightly regarded German heavyweight Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas on June 15.

Wilder a rematch with Fury would happen eventually.