Can Wilder Still Get his fight with Fury through an outside party?
In a recent interview, WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (30-0-1, 21 ko’S) said he would never fight Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KO’s) again. The would-be trilogy has suffered the rigors of the pandemic, a significant dip in revenue and constantly shifting fight dates.
Yet, it was the criminal accusations that Wilder levied against Fury that caused him to nix the fight forever. However, it seems that the Bronze Bomber is not willing to go quietly in the night.
Presently, the former champion has his back against a brick wall in terms of justifying being Fury’s next opponent. The Gypsy King wants no part of him and the rematch clause in their contract has elapsed. So now, as reported by the Athletic, the Bronze Bomber has elected to enact the dispute resolution provision within the same contract.
WISHING ON A STAR?
If successful, the two teams will work out their differences through a third party mediator. The mediator, a retired judge, will begin this process by the end of this week. After reviewing the contract in question, and then hearing the argument of each side, the mediator will technically make the final decision on the matter.
He could say cut and dry that the rematch clause had expired and that is that. Or, they might rule that due the extenuating circumstances brought on by COVID-19, and its many first-time protocols, Wilder should get his shot. Of the proposed October 3 and several December rematch dates, none were nullified due to Wilder. Instead it was for reasons surrounding the pandemic. Therefore, a sympathetic mediator could rule in the Bombers favor.
KEEP A HAPPY FACE
In the end, however, no matter how you slice it, Fury does not have to fight Wilder. Even if the adjudicator swung it in the Alabamans favor, the Gypsy King could still refuse. He might have to pay damages, but he would still be able to deny Wilder his hotly coveted trilogy match.
It will be interesting to see how this last ditch effort by Team Wilder unfolds over the next several weeks. Shelly Finkel, one of Wilder’s co-managers, is maintaining a sunny disposition regarding the matter.
“We’re going into it very optimistically this week.”
By: Bakari Simpson
