Eddie Hearn is applying pressure for Fury to fight Whyte
British promoter Eddie Hearn is finally going hard for his fighter Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte (27-1, 18). The WBC mandatory has been waiting for the elusive title opportunity in what feels like forever. Furthermore, the WBC organization has made it clear that by February 2021, the mandatory obligation has to be fulfilled.
Now, this could put a hamper on things, especially if the much-anticipated trilogy bout between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson “Gypsy King” Fury (30-0-1, 21ko) and Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-1-1, 41ko) gets pushed back until 2021.
MANDATORY OR UNDISPUTED
The sentiment that some believe is the targeted December 9, 2020 date for the trilogy fight could be moved if Wilder isn’t ready or both parties want to wait until fans can be present to gain more revenue with ticket sales.
Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren made it perfectly clear his stance on the matter. He says Whyte may not fight Fury this year but, next year is also a no-go. If victorious, they will go for undisputed against unified champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (23-1, 21ko). Of course, legendary Top Rank promoter Bob Arum adamantly agrees with Warren. He claims that mandatories should not get in the way of big fights.
PUSHING BACK
Hearn understands the position of both his rival promoters. However, he has made it clear that if the trilogy fight is unable to take place as scheduled, because of the waiting game, then they will push the WBC to uphold their ruling.
Now it seems the British promoter has doubled down in an interview with Sky Sports. He also hints at the Gypsy King being stripped with Whyte being elevated to champion.
“Whoever owns that belt is who Joshua will face for the undisputed championship. We know the winner of Saturday’s fight will be ordered to face the winner of Fury vs Wilder. If Fury does not want to fight Whyte, then Whyte will be elevated to champion from interim champion. Now I do not like that. But what will happen? Joshua will fight Whyte straight away for the undisputed championship.”
There is still the elephant in the room that could cripple this scenario laid out by Hearn. The WBC organization itself does not have the best track record when it comes to showing any eagerness to move forward with anything for “The Body Snatcher”. Moreover, the past has seen them favor unifications or undisputed over mandatories before.
3kingsboxing will continue to monitor this story for further development.
By: Garrisson Bland
