Tyson Fury is on course to become one of the biggest names in United States boxing, according to Top Rank supremo Bob Arum and TV giants ESPN.
The heavyweight recently agreed to a deal to compete exclusively in the US on the network. Fury makes his debut on ESPN against Tom Schwarz on June 15.
Securing the contract, Fury could make upwards of $80 million. All dependent on fights opposite Deontay Wilder or UK rival Anthony Joshua.
Speaking about his Fury plans, Arum has no doubts about where he can raise the 30-year-old’s profile.
“It’s with great pride that Top Rank will be able to present the leading heavyweight in the world and a mega-star in boxing,” outlined Arum.
“Tyson will be facing a tough, experienced, and undefeated fighter in Tom Schwarz. He is coming to Las Vegas ready to shock the world.”
Adding his input, ESPN Executive Vice President Russell Wolf echoed Arum’s sentiments.
“Tyson Fury is an incredible boxer with an incredible story. Two things that are right at home on ESPN.
“Tom Schwarz is young, ambitious, and unbeaten. This fight adds to an ESPN+ boxing lineup that has been packed with champions in its first year,
“This makes it a must-have for any fan of the sweet science. And we’re just getting started.”
Fury’s current promoter on British soil, Frank Warren, oversaw the signing. The agreement ultimately meant a rematch with Deontay Wilder couldn’t take place yet.
Hopefully, once Fury is established at ESPN, the pair can thrash out a second offering to be broadcast on both ESPN and Showtime PPV.
BT SPORT
For now, Warren is content to let Fury’s ESPN debut against Schwarz play out.
“I’m very excited about starting the next chapter in the Tyson Fury story. With this new deal and co-promotion with Top Rank, it’s all about getting Tyson out there to a huge audience.
“Nobody can do that in America like ESPN.
“He’s the best heavyweight on the planet and the lineal champion. He’s a superstar, and there is nowhere better for a superstar to have his next fight than in the Mecca of boxing itself, Las Vegas.
“BT will broadcast exclusively in the UK. An announcement will follow from them on how UK fans can watch Tyson’s return.”
It’s yet to be revealed whether Fury v Schwarz will head to BT’s paid platform on United Kingdom soil.
