Yet Again, the WBC Postpones the Purse Bid for Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte
The longest-running drama today has to be WBC Interim titlist Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte (28-2, 19ko), waiting for his shot at the title now in the hands of WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (31-0-1, 22ko). The WBC postponed the purse bid for a third time, adding more drama to an already exhausting situation.
This is ridiculous, border lining on insanity. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman took to social media to inform the fans of the new date for the purse bid of January 26.
The WBC added only five more days from the previously changed date of January 21. The hope is that both parties can eventually work out a deal among themselves. However, the issue between both camps is the purse split of 80/20 in favor of Fury.
British promoter Eddie Hearn believes this to be nonsense, and when the WBC ruled in favor of the 80/20 split, Hearn filed an appeal that still needs resolving. During an interview with iFL TV, prior to the postponed purse bid, he expressed disbelief in the purse bid taking place to begin with.
“At the moment, the offers that have been made to Dillian Whyte are unacceptable, in our eyes. And, obviously there is an appeal to take place regarding the split. The problem with the split taking place is obviously the 80/20. If that split changes later, the WBC will be responsible for that difference in split, and that’s why it’s unlikely, I think, for a purse bid to take place until that’s resolved.”
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing CEO
WILL THE FIGHT HAPPEN?
The sad part about this is almost everyone has gotten a shot at a heavyweight championship except Whyte. Moreover, fighters such as Luis Ortiz, Dominic Breazeale, and Eric Molina had two chances at fighting for a world title.
Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, CEO of Queensberry Promotions, has already indicated that the WBC champion wants to fight in March. Equally important, Top Rank’s head honcho and Fury co-promoter Bob Arum revealed that Sulaiman is willing to allow Fury to fight another opponent in a non-title fight.
The legendary promoter even dropped a few names they have been scouting, just in case.
“We are looking at Andy Ruiz as a possibility … Helenius, big Finnish kid, who can really fight. Those are the two principle guys.”
Bob Arum, Top Rank CEO
So, at this point, until everyone can get on the same page, it doesn’t look good for a Fury versus Whyte showdown.
3Kings Boxing will continue to follow this story for further updates.
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By: Garrisson Bland
