A final decision on the mandated clash between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury will be made by the World Boxing Council early next week.
In a statement released over the weekend. And on the back of TV complications stemming from Fury’s deal with ESPN, the WBC will rule what’s best in the coming days.
“The WBC has been in communication with both sides. We continue the process with regards to the Wilder vs Fury rematch,” they said.
“There will be no further comments until the WBC receives official communication from both sides by Tuesday February 26th.”
Earlier, Fury’s new US representative Bob Arum had prediction Wilder v Fury would be off the menu until September. This is despite serious talks and a deal almost being completed for May 18.
“We envision this (Wilder v Fury 2) can reach one to two million homes. The only way to do that is to allow the general sports fan to really get to know these guys,” Arum told LA Times.
“If that takes each of them fighting another opponent first, then rolling them into a September fight, the money on the table then would be more than they can conceive of. That’s the way I look at it.”
On acquiring Fury in the first place, Arum added: “They (Frank Warren and UK team) realized for him to be a star in the U.S., he’s going to need ESPN.
“Now, they have the biggest platform in sports. He can fight anybody to achieve that exposure.
“Even Deontay Wilder should be celebrating. This is because it shows how sincere the involvement of ESPN in boxing is. They’re in with both feet.
“Those people who have a percentage of Wilder’s earnings should be overjoyed. This arrangement will drive him to more (PPV) buys. He’ll make even more.
“If Wilder allows” loyalty to Showtime “to be an issue, he’s a fool. Wilder should only be looking at how much he can make.”
SULAIMAN
On the back of the initial Fury / ESPN announcement, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had expressed his disappointment at the complication: “These important fights which the public are demanding must take place. The priority for the WBC is boxing and the fans, over television rivalry.
“Anyone who prevents these matches being made will have to live with the consequences of depriving the sport and the people.
“We are entering a different era in boxing. With the major investment through ESPN and DAZN bringing a change in broadcasting platforms.
“Hopefully the internet will put an end to the way in which so many big fights have failed to happen in the past. This is to the detriment of boxing.”
More will be revealed soon as fans and media alike await the outcome.
