Bob Arum shades Whyte fight again
The boxing world is still learning how to maneuver while dealing with COVID-19. The primary challenges are making fights and waiting for the fans to return to the stands to see the big fights. This brings us to how the sport will deal with mandatories possibly getting in the way of big fights. Both the fighters and fans have waited a long time for the sport to return in some form. One of those issues will become a huge problem when looking at the heavyweight division; particularly in the eyes of Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum.
By now, the ongoing issues between British contender Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte (27-1, 18ko) and the WBC organization have been frustrating and confusing to pundits within the boxing community.Whyte himself even had to take legal action to ensure a title opportunity would take place by February 2021.
However, that deadline is in jeopardy of being missed with the recent pandemic outbreak. Arum has hinted about pushing the trilogy bout featuring WBC Heavyweight champion Tyson “Gypsy King” Fury (30-0-1, 21ko) and Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-1-1, 41ko) back until early 2021.
During an interview with Talksport, the legendary promoter talked about the issues surrounding the WBC mandatory challenger.
“The WBC approved the trilogy contract, and that provides for postponements. And certainly, if you can’t do it with spectators, a reasonable postponement would be okay.”
“It’s a different kind of fight. The Fury vs Wilder fight in the United States is a major, major fight.”
Now, this is where it seems that Whyte could be well out of luck.
“Again our goal is to do Fury and Wilder; and then if Fury wins, to go right to a Joshua fight plus a rematch. That’s where we stand, it would be an absolute travesty. All these mandatories-schmandatories, people are looking for what the public wants.”
Arum’s statement shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. He has mentioned before how mandatories shouldn’t derail big fights. He has even hinted at Fury getting the perplexing Franchise tag.
It does look dim for Whyte getting his opportunity until we get an undisputed heavyweight champion.
By: Garrisson Bland
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