World Boxing News contacted Shelly Finkel on Saturday night to clarify several reports in the UK media regarding the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury rematch.
More than one British outlet had stated an announcement was set to happen on Monday. Finkel has now denied any notion of this.
When asked straight out by WBN, Finkel replied: “Not true!” as the boxing world continues to hold its breath for confirmation.
Talks are continuing on both sides, as WBN understands it. This follows the World Boxing Council recently calling off a purse bid.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had initially named the date of February 6 for a deal to be reached. He then extended it further to February 13 before scrapping it altogether.
Sulaiman has been assured by the respective negotiating teams that Wilder v Fury II will happen. Therefore, Sulaiman is willing to wait without the need to set a deadline.
Meanwhile, Wilder begins the outsider with UK bookmakers despite dropping Fury twice in the first fight. Fury is odds on, with Wilder 6/4 against to score a victory in the return.
There is almost certain to be the third installment, potentially on British soil later in the year, who comes out on top.
Despite the WBC ordering an interim heavyweight title clash between Dominic Breazeale and Dillian Whyte, it’s common knowledge that any Wilder v Fury III deal would stave off a mandatory until 2020.
The winner of Breazeale v Whyte will have to be content to defend the interim strap at least once whilst the entire Wilder v Fury saga plays out.
WILDER vs FURY
Should Fury triumph and push through a UK trilogy, Wilder regaining his belt could even spawn a fourth fight in the first half of 2020.
This is obviously bad news for Anthony Joshua. The unified champ faces being unable to challenge the undisputed crown for another 18 months.
Joshua battles Jarrell Miller on June 1 in what will be his long-awaiting American debut.
‘AJ’ needs a big performance to win over the skeptics. Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn has already been criticized heavily for their contract talks with Wilder last summer.
The top division is finally coming together as bout declarations come thick and fast. However, a Wilder v Fury II verification is not set to occur in the next 24 hours.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay.
