The rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury is edging closer after the WBC champion’s manager confirmed talks should be concluded next week. Reports on Tuesday claimed the fight was on the verge of being announced after a delay in confirmation due to location and judging demands. Team Fury want three neutral judges after the controversy in the first fight and the WBC have again agreed to delay purse bids.
The rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury is edging closer after the WBC champion’s manager confirmed talks should be concluded next week. Reports on Tuesday claimed the fight was on the verge of being announced after a delay in confirmation due to location and judging demands. Team Fury want three neutral judges after the controversy in the first fight and the WBC have again agreed to delay purse bids.
‘Things have gotten delayed a little, but as far as I know there are no issues,’ Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel told ESPN. ‘I would hope the fight is completed late this week or early next week.’ Fury’s promoter Warren has always been confident a deal will be struck and has been in talks with Finkel and Wilder’s other manager, Al Haymon.
Purse bids will only happen if both sides cannot come to an agreement, but WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman is happy to give Wilder and Fury another week as he believes a deal is close. ‘I have been in direct communication with both parties and they have indicated that they are in goodwill negotiations, very close to reaching an agreement,’ Sulaiman said. ‘I will monitor this matter personally and if needed will intervene within the next week.’
Fury and Wilder fought to a draw last December, with the British challenger peeling himself off the canvas twice over 12 rounds. One of those knockdowns came in the final round, but Fury appeared to rise from the dead to compose himself and finish the fight. The scorecards were widely criticised as one judge gave Wilder the win, while another scored it a draw. American broadcaster Showtime believe the rematch could pull in £50million after the first encounter captured the imagination of the US boxing public.
