Frank Warren Disputes Finkel’s Claims Fury-Wilder III Will Happen In December
When it comes to the question of will we see a third fight between WBC World Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and ex-champ Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41, KOs) in 2020, the confusion and drama continues. For those who have paid close attention, here is a quick summary.
All roads were leading to the two facing each other on December 19, 2020. However, rumors started to swirl that the fight was in serious jeopardy. On October 10, Shelly Finkel, manager of Wilder, insisted that a fight with Fury is still a go and will happen in December. But then on October 12, Fury publicly stated that he is foregoing a trilogy with Wilder and now plans to set up a fight on December 5 on home turf in England.
Since then, there has been a lot of back and forth from both camps that can cause a lot of confusion for anyone trying to follow this entire saga. During an interview with iFL TV Frank Warren, co-promoter of Fury, attempted to give some clarity on the situation and respond to Finkel’s assertions that Fury-Wilder III will still happen this year.
“Shelly, I’ve known him for quite a number of years. He’s got his opinion of where he’s at with the contracts and he’s got to do the best for Deontay Wilder.
Our job is to do the best we can for Tyson. We made it very clear that Tyson wants to fight this year. By the end of this year, that’s always been our mantra, whether it be Deontay Wilder or somebody else.
And the problem has been because of the COVID and various other things, the fight’s not been able to take place. So we’re in a position now where Tyson will fight and we’re looking at the moment that it will be the fifth of December in London at the Royal Albert Hall.
That’s the intention. And we’ll obviously get that sorted out I hope in the next four or five days.”
Warren went on to say he is unsure if this matter will end up in a court of law.
A NOD OF RESPECT
A third fight with Wilder was originally supposed to happen in October, then pushed back to December. Because of this, Warren was asked if he believes Wilder is somehow running scared of Fury, something the long-time promoter scoffed at.
“No, I don’t believe he’s running scared. If I was him I wouldn’t have to fight because I think he needs to get back to the drawing board… One thing about it you know he won’t be scared to get into the ring with anybody.”
Warren reiterated that in the end, the main concern is with his fighter. First comes finalizing an opponent for Fury’s next fight on December 5. Following that comes setting him up for an agreed-upon two-fight series against Anthony Joshua in 2021.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
