Bob Arum: “Whyte Is Too Greedy. We’re Looking At Andy Ruiz Or Helenius”

Team Fury Looking to Maneuver Around Dillian Whyte

WBC Interim heavyweight champion Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte (28-2, 19ko) has been waiting forever to fight for the championship. According to Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, he could still be waiting as no deal has been reachable with WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (31-0-1, 22ko) .

Fury is eager to get back into the ring. However, he may not be fighting the mandatory challenger, Whyte. The main issue preventing the fight happening is the purse split. DAZN promoter Eddie Hearn has made it clear that his fighter (Whyte) will not be low balled into a 80/20 purse split and they are willing to wait for a purse bid to be called.

“They want split to be 80/20. We want it to be 55/45. That’s the maximum for an interim champion. So, when the purse bids are ordered, you can still do a deal. But then the WBC will determine the split……If Dillian Whyte and us feel that he’s not been respected in those negotiations, then we’ll go to purse bids.”

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing CEO

Queensberry promoter Frank Warren, who promotes Fury along with Arum, has already indicated that due to the latest COVID Omicron variant, he does not plan on scheduling any fights until March 2022.

“The Board of Control has decided, the only governing body we have, they have decided to stop boxing in January….So we’re going to run three shows in March.”

Frank Warren, Queensberry Promotions CEO

FURY TO FIGHT WITHOUT WBC BELT

The WBC champion is said to be making a return to the ring in March. It appears Hearn is dug in on waiting for a purse bid unless their demands of a more balanced split can be reached. In an interview with iFL TV, Arum expressed disappointment on the part of team Whyte for not taking what he believes was a good offer.

“It’s unfortunate in the sense that Dillian Whyte could have that fight. There is no question we would do that fight, but they’re, in our view, very greedy with what they are asking….We’ve offered them a good purse deal, far more than they’ve ever gotten in any fight and that hasn’t moved them.”

Bob Arum, Top Rank CEO

Arum mentioned that the WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman, will allow Fury to fight another opponent in a non-title fight. Moreover, he would reveal the names of two possible opponents.

“We are looking at Andy Ruiz as a possibility…Helenius, big Finnish kid, who can really fight. Those are the two principles guys.”

Bob Arum, Top Rank CEO

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By: Garrisson Bland

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