Tyson Fury focused on Tom Schwarz; Bob Arum Focused on Deontay Wilder!
On June 15, undefeated lineal heavyweight champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury returns to action. On that date, the beloved UK boxer will face the challenge of the largely unknown Tom Schwarz (24-0, 16 KO’s).
The two big men will lock horns at the MGM Grand, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. ESPN will televise the bout.
While this is Fury’s third overall fight in the states, the Schwarz showdown will mark his first appearance on ESPN.
In his last outing, Fury battled WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KO’s) to a highly controversial draw.
Despite there being a contract ready and waiting for a swift rematch, Fury chose to sidestep the do-over so that he could sign a multi-fight deal with ESPN. The prizefight with Schwarz is the first assignment of that multi-fight contract.
Changing Focus
In a recent conference call, Arum and Fury elaborated on their selection of Tom Schwarz.
The two fully understand that Schwarz is a mystery to most boxing fans. Nevertheless, neither are heartbroken, or overly apologetic about the selection of the German foe.
Realizing the height that the best in the division represent, it was important for Team Fury to secure a tall opponent. Schwarz is 6’5.
Past that, he totes an undefeated record and holds a decent standing within the rankings. All of these variables are what led to his selection.
Naturally, the media scribes present on the conference call were more interested in posing questions about Fury v Wilder 2.
However, these inquiries did not gain much traction, as Fury made it overtly clear he was exercising a bit of tunnel vision and was only focused on Schwarz.
The Gypsy King even went so far as to label his upcoming dust-up as a ‘dangerous fight.’ This is why his camp insisted that there was a rematch clause worked into their contract.
“My main focus is Schwarz. What Wilder does is not my concern. I’m not looking past Schwarz!”
~Tyson Fury – Heavyweight Contender
On the Wilder Rematch
While Bob Arum didn’t take Schwarz lightly, the longtime promoter was far more willing to discuss Fury’s potential future endeavors than his heavyweight charge.
For a couple of weeks now, it’s been public knowledge that Fury has signed a rematch to face Wilder. Well, that isif Fury can best Schwarz and Wilder gets past his precarious rematch with Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (31-1, 26 KO’s).
“Wilder doesn’t have an easy fight. Fury v Wilder will fight again in 2020.”
~Bob Arum – Top Rank Chairman
Clearly, Arum is confident the Gypsy King and the Bronze Bomber will be successful in their next outings.
So much so, that in a not so subtle way the savvy fight organizer began plugging for Wilder v Fury to make its way to ESPN.
Arum has a television deal with ESPN, whereas Wilder has closely worked with Showtime for a number of years.
“There will be more people subscribed to ESPN+ for this fight [Fury v Schwarz] than Wilder v Fury, I guarantee. ”
~Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman
Arum made sure to point out that it was his opinion that Fury v Schwarz would enjoy much higher ratings than did the initial Wilder v Fury bout. Their premiere match was aired via Showtime pay-per-view.
Obviously, it would look good and be a more lucrative deal if Arum could land the highly anticipated rematch on ESPN.
Yet, like Tyson Fury eluded to, there is little point in drooling or fantasizing about the Wilder v Fury rematch until both boxers get past their next assignments.
Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing.com for all the latest boxing news and updates!
By: Bakari Simpson
