An official statement from Al Haymon Boxing received by WBN on Friday states a heavyweight collision between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury is on for December 1.
After much debate and skepticism in UK quarters, Wilder and Fury will trade blows on Showtime Pay-Per-View and BT Sport Box Office.
The announcement sent to WBN from Haymon Boxing’s Tim Smith comes on the eve of rival Anthony Joshua’s next defense against Alexander Povetkin.
Haymon’s statement reads as follows: “WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title against lineal champion Tyson Fury in a blockbuster matchup of undefeated heavyweights on Saturday, December 1 live on Pay-Per-View.
“The contracts have been signed. The promotional tour will kick-off in London on Oct. 1. It continues with stops in New York City and Los Angeles.
“Wilder vs. Fury tests the raw power of Wilder against the unmatched size and mobility of Fury.
“America’s only heavyweight champion since 2007, Wilder has 39 knockouts in 40 professional fights. His record includes knockouts in all seven of his title defenses.
“Fury is a former IBF, WBA, IBO, and WBO heavyweight world champion. He is undefeated in 27 professional fights and holds boxing’s prestigious lineal heavyweight title.
“More details on the location, venue, and the on-sale ticket information for the heavyweight championship battle will be released next week.”
Wilder v Fury is set to be the most talked-about contest above 200 pounds this year.
FINKEL
The confirmation comes on the back of Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel, revealing talks with Joshua could re-open.
“If your father (Barry Hearn) wants to meet on October 6th or 7th in New York, I’d be glad to. But it’s a waste of time if we don’t have a real offer,” Finkel exclusively told World Boxing News in direct retort to Eddie Hearn wanting to secure a fight for April 13 next year.
The younger Hearn has even gone as far as offering Fury the Joshua fight. Stated based on Fury pulling out of the Wilder battle beforehand – which one hundred percent won’t happen.
Despite the doubts, Wilder v Fury is on for 2018. With New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas still in with a shout of hosting the pre-Christmas mega-event.
