Former boxer Jim Watt has backed Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora to challenge for the WBC heavyweight title after champion Vitali Klitschko vacated the belt earlier this week.

The Ukrainian, whose younger brother Wladimir currently holds the WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO titles, called a halt to his time in the ring in order to pursue a career in politics on Monday.

Fury, whose prospective bout with David Haye fell through last month, is tipped to be afforded the opportunity to fight for the belt but, speaking to Sky Sports News, Watt also stated Chisora is in contention.

"Both Fury and Dereck Chisora could be in the mix. [Fury] is not far away, he is very marketable and he's undefeated. If the David Haye fight had taken place and he had won I think he would have been knocking on the door.

"I don't think he has done enough to get a straight crack at the vacant title but we're talking about the WBC who have done some surprising things over the years so nothing is impossible, but he is going to be in the mix."

Fury currently boasts an undefeated record of 21-0 after stopping Steve Cunningham in New York City in April, while Chisora has recorded a four-fight winning streak since losing to Haye at Upton Park in 2012.