Tyson Fury sets sights on fellow British heavyweight David Price before fighting one of the Klitschkos

Tyson Fury will put a heavyweight world title fight against the Klitschko brothers on hold if British rival David Price is prepared to face him next, Fury’s promoter insisted on Sunday.

Hitting out: Tyson Fury was too good for Kevin Johnson on Saturday night Photo: PA

Fury won a landslide unanimous decision over former world title challenger Kevin Johnson in Belfast on Saturday night, his 20th straight career victory, to advance his cause for a heavyweight title shot at the Klitschko brothers in 2013.

Fury, ranked No3 by the World Boxing Council, must first wait on Vitali Klitschko’s decision on whether he is to continue boxing or go into politics, and on the outcome of the ‘final’ WBC eliminator between Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola, scheduled for Jan 26. The winner of that fight is mandated to face Klitschko first, with Fury next in line. If Klitschko retires, Fury would face the winner of Arreola and Stiverne for the WBC title.

But Mick Hennessy, Fury’s promoter, wants to keep Fury busy, and would put him in against Price. Hennessy told The Daily Telegraph: “We asked David Price to step forward if he wants this fight because Tyson’s in the driving seat. He was quite vocal after two of Tyson’s fights. But when we’ve asked him to step forward now, lo and behold, nothing.

“What Tyson has said - and his entire team agrees - is that we would put a world title fight on hold for David Price if he stepped up to the table. We view Price as still a novice who hasn’t really been tested yet. If he’s prepared to be sensible, we’ll do a proper deal and this fight would happen.”

On Saturday, the 6ft 9in tall Manchester man gave a measured performance, staying busy behind the jab against the cagey Johnson. In fairness, the American was overly defensive, and with Fury sticking to a strict game plan behind the jab, it was a dour fight. It was a departure for Fury, who has often fought in a wild style, leaving himself open. It might not have been a fan-pleaser, but he got the job done with ease.