Malik Scott Refutes Bob Arum’s Claims Regarding Deontay Wilder Step-Aside Money!
The boxing world continues to reverberate following arbitrator Daniel Weinstein’s May 17 ruling that WBC heavyweight Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) must fight a third fight against the ex-champion, Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs) by September 15.
Fury and Wilder were contractually obligated to fight a trilogy. However, attempts to make the fight in 2020 failed. Frustrated with the inability to close the deal, the WBC champ decided to move on and began negotiations to fight unified champion Anthony Joshua (24-1, 21 KOs). The bout would be to name the first undisputed champion since 1999, an accomplishment held by Lennox Lewis!
Weinstein’s ruling put a dead-stop on the negotiations for the undisputed showdown. That fight was close to finalization and expected to take place August 14 in Dubai. Suddenly, the most anticipated fight and one of the biggest sporting events of the year has been blown up to pieces! All parties involved must now deconstruct and reconstruct their next move.
Part of Weinstein’s ruling was Wilder and Fury could negotiate an extension. The problem is, that would involve a sizeable step-aside fee for the former champion.
Fury’s co-promoter, Bob Arum, said he’s unwilling to give Wilder step-aside money, which would have been upwards of $20 million. Arum’s contention is to deal with Wilder now and then hopefully fight Joshua later this in 2020.
SAY WHAT NOW?
However, Team Wilder disputes Arum’s claims about his unwillingness to pay up. According to his new trainer, Malik Scott, it was Wilder who turned down step-aside money. Since losing his title in a rematch against Fury in February of 2020, Wilder has yearned for another go. In response to stories about Arum’s assertions, Scott claimed it’s not about the money, but vengeance!
“Nah, Wilder declined and had no interest in step-aside money. Y’all dealing with a whole different type of mutha fucka over here. He wants the blood, not the step-aside money. Retribution is upon us!”
We will never fully know who turned down or was unwilling to pay what. The bottom line is, it’s a high probability that the trilogy between Fury and Wilder is what’s up next. Arum has already reserved the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the bout on July 24.
The drama and storylines between Fury, Wilder, and Joshua continue to go on like a daytime soap opera. Stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for further developments in the tangled boxing web that is the heavyweight division.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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