World Boxing News has been informed that there will be no change in the scheduling of Deontay Wilder’s next two fights.
According to reports, plus comments from Bob Arum and Eddie Hearn, Wilder was mulling over scrapping a rematch with Luis Ortiz this fall.
It’s been clarified to WBN this is not the case.
As previously stated by Wilder, Ortiz is next up. The bout will be a repeat of their first meeting in March 2018.
The second clash with Tyson Fury is then set to follow, likely to be February at this point.
“To all my fans, I want to announce that Luis Ortiz and I have signed for a rematch, with the date and site to be announced shortly,” Wilder confirmed late last month. “All my controversial fights must get dealt with ASAP.”
Following that up a few days later, the American added: “Well, As I always say I’m the realest Champion in the business. As I’ve mentioned before I must handle all my controversial fights ASAP!
“Luis Ortiz @kingkongboxing is first then Tyson Fury @Tyson_Fury is next. By no means am I looking pass Ortiz. He’s a dangerous fighter but I am looking through him (Window Shopping).
“Shid, I’m the best. Ain’t No guess’N. What other champion gives you what your Miss’N?
“One fell to his knee (Fury), the other on his back. If you got questions then ‘we run it back’.
“All Contracts have been signed already…it’s officially on!”
Fast forward just a few weeks and Arum threw a curveball by stating Fury may push to be first in line after defeating Tom Schwarz with ease.
BLUEPRINT
Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel has moved to rule out any alterations to the current plan.
“At this time, and as Deontay Wilder has told his fans, we are fighting Luis Ortiz. Then we will fight Tyson Fury,” Finkel exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I’m not sure why this question is being asked, but Deontay’s fight, our next fight is Ortiz. The Fury rematch will follow.
Asked about dates or venues for Ortiz, the New Yorker added: “Nothing has been confirmed for New York. We are in the process of looking.”
Wilder is set to go face-to-face with arguably his two toughest challenges back-to-back.
A mandatory against the winner of Dillian Whyte v Oscar Rivas is expected to be on hold until the Summer of next year.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
