With November dropping off as a potential date for the heavyweight battle between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in 2018, World Boxing News takes a look at which venues and dates will work in December.
Wilder and Fury will contest the World Boxing Council title on Showtime PPV and BT Sport Box Office in the UK. An official announcement is due any day now.
Less than twelve weeks remain until the Christmas run-up begins, and potential dates for Wilder v Fury are few and far between.
The boxing capital of the world, Las Vegas, is the number one target. New York is on standby as another solid choice.
Just a handful of windows are left for the fight at those venues big enough to stage such an outstanding event.
Here’s a rundown of what venues could be considered and what dates are available.
LAS VEGAS
T-Mobile Arena – Capacity 20,000
The largest arena in Las Vegas was initially touted to hold the contest on November 17. Currently, T-Mobile has no Saturday nights free in December.
If Wilder v Fury is to take place at the premier boxing stage in Nevada, Al Haymon and Frank Warren would have to look at a potentially unworkable Friday night.
It’s unlikely to be examined, but December 14 and another on the 21st are free.
Thomas and Mack Center – Capacity 18,500
The Thomas and Mack Center is the second-largest indoor arena behind the T-Mobile. The venue was staged Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. v Sergio Martinez.
Only one Saturday in December is available on the 22nd, which is too close to Christmas to expect Wilder and Fury fans to travel the hefty distance.
All Fridays and Saturdays before that date are taken in December.
MGM Grand Garden Arena – Capacity 17,000
A strong contender, the world-famous MGM Grand has several options. Haymon and Warren could consider December 8, 15th, and 22nd.
Mandalay Bay – Capacity 12,000
Mandalay Bay has staged countless huge boxing events and is available on December 1, 8, 15, and 22nd.
A capacity of 8,000 less than the T-Mobile Arena is less than ideal. Mandalay Bay could work due to the short notice of the travel arrangements.
Orleans Arena – Capacity 9,500
Relatively small, the Orleans Arena is free on December 1, 8, and 15th.
Besides the free dates, the venue is not in the running.
NEW YORK
Madison Square Garden – 20,700
A favored venue as Fury beat Steve Cunnigham there in 2013. The MSG is only viable on December 15, but this would be hard to workaround.
Two schedule Ice Hockey games for the New York Rangers will be held on December 14 and 16.
Therefore, squeezing in a boxing bout would be an uproar.
Rather than flooding the MSG with more fans, others would be better options.
Barclays Center – 19,000
The standout option for New York, the Barclays Center, is ready for selection on December 1, 8, and 22nd.
More is expected to be revealed in the coming days. Early December is thought to be leading the way.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay