The long-anticipated boxing bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua was finally confirmed but is now in some doubt.
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The long-anticipated boxing bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua was finally confirmed on Sunday. The two British boxers will face off in a title unification bout at Saudi Arabia on August 14. However, the bout taking place on that day seems to have been thrown into some doubt.
The reason for this is Fury’s rematch against Deontay Wilder. An independent arbitrator deemed that the rematch must take place by September 15 this year.
Reports in ESPN and The Athletic confirmed that retired judge Daniel Weinstein upheld the claim lodged by Wilder.
It is worth noting, however, that the ruling doesn’t translate to a direct order. But if Fury and Wilder are unable to reach an agreement on their own, the ruling will be deemed enforcable.
At the moment, this remains unclear. Wilder could well waive his right to a third bout for a step-aside fee. He could also get a commitment from Fury and Joshua to face the winner of their bout.
Weinstein’s ruling also said that the September 15 deadline was extendable – as long as both Fury and Wilder agreed on it. Wilder also got no monetary compensation from the ruling.
As of this writing, the bout expected to be the most lucrative in British boxing’s history is still set to go on. But that could change at any given moment. There have been no comments from Fury’s camp in this matter.
Tyson Fury had taken to Twitter on Sunday to confirm the date and venue of his fight against Joshua.
“I have got some massive news. I have just got off the phone with Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia and he told me this fight is 100 per cent on, August 14,” Fury said in the video.
“All eyes of the world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I cannot wait, I repeat, cannot wait to smash Anthony Joshua on the biggest stage of all-time. This is going to be the biggest sporting event ever to grace the planet Earth. Do not miss it.”
The price to host the fight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is reportedly between $150 and $200 million.
