Bob Arum Says Fury fights Wilder or Joshua Next!
Ever since Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KO’s) lost his WBC heavyweight title, he has been determined to get it back. Initially, it appeared that obtaining his trilogy with WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (30-0-1, 21 KO’s) would not be difficult. There was a rematch clause in their contract and everyone was on board.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic protocols effectively nullified any would-be crowd participation and thereby soured the deal. Minus a venue that would admit fans, the fight was repeatedly pushed back. Ultimately, Fury would grow tired of waiting and announced that he was moving on from the trilogy. Given that the rematch clause in the contract had expired, Team Fury felt well within their right to do so.
The bad-blood between Wilder and Fury certainly did not help matters. In the wake of his loss, the Bomber has accused Fury of all manner of foul play. His accusations range from glove tampering, adding blunt objects to the gloves and enlisting a double-agent to spike his water. As a result, the Gypsy King has vowed never to fight him again.
A POTENTIAL ESCAPE ROUTE
In a final effort to save the bout, the former WBC champion has brought in a third party for mediation. If successful, the world should be granted a trilogy bout. If the maneuver is fruitless, then Wilder will be left empty-handed and undoubtedly bitter. However, Fury’s co-promoter, Bob Arum, insists that the Bomber’s situation is not necessarily so dire.
The Gypsy King has made it quite clear that he wants to face WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO world heavyweight champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (23-1, 21 KO’s). The sooner he can achieve this, the better. Yet, before Fury can get his hands on AJ, Joshua must first topple Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (28-1, 14 KO’s) on December 12. And this is where Arum feels that Wilder has his greatest lane to obtain his desire. Bob Arum also promotes Pulev.
AWAITING THE THRILLING CONCLUSION!
“I’ve given everybody the word, wait on the Joshua/Pulev fight. If Pulev wins there is no Joshua [versus Fury bout] because Eddie [Hearn] has a rematch with Pulev. So that takes care of next year, or a good part of next year, for Joshua, so that leaves Wilder as the best guy. So if Pulev beats Joshua, we’ll talk to Fury about doing the Wilder fight, probably the end of February.”
“I think by the end of February, hopefully the pandemic will be under control and we’ll at least be able to put the fight, because the football season will be over, in Allegiance Stadium. Again, let’s everybody hold off, it’s all well and good for Fury to say, ‘I want to fight Joshua.’ Who knows if Joshua is going to be around after he fights my guy Pulev?”
Without question there is a great deal of moving parts to his situation! How will the arbitration play out? Who wins the Joshua v Pulev bout? And if Pulev prevails, will Fury be true to his word and refuse to face Wilder again? Regardless of how it resolves itself, 3kingsboxing.com will be there to cover it, so stay tuned.
By: Bakari Simpson
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