Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum, the co-promoter of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has made it clear that his boxer is looking to fight by March - with or without mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte.

The World Boxing Council recently ordered Fury and Whyte to begin negotiations for a mandatory fight.

If no deal is reached, the fight would then head to a purse bid.

However, Whyte is currently involved in a legal battle with the WBC - over the monetary split at a purse bid procedure.

Top Rank has already requested an 80-20 split in favor of Fury.

Whyte, because he's the WBC's interim-champion, believes he's entitled to at least a split of 45%.

Because the Whyte vs. WBC legal drama continues to play out, and there is no clear picture on the split - which makes it impossible to hold a purse bid - Fury is refusing to sit on the sidelines.

If needed, Fury will stay busy against a top-rated contender - without the WBC title at stake. He will instead defend his position as the "lineal champion" while Whyte and the WBC resolve their issues.

One possible opponent, says Arum, is former unified champion Andy Ruiz.

“If we can’t come to a deal with Dillian Whyte, we’ll do a fight for the Ring Magazine belt and the lineal title and we’ll pick another opponent We’ve gotta get Tyson back in the ring by the end of March," Arum told Talk Sport.

“Frank [Warren] and I are determined to come to him with an opponent that’s acceptable and we’d love to do that fight in Cardiff. Andy Ruiz Jr is a possibility. Joseph Parker I see had a good victory over Derek Chisora – that could be a possibility. And we’re looking at a couple of other names that might be appropriate.”