TOP RANK promoter Bob Arum has claimed that Tyson Fury’s next fight could be against someone other than Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua.
The 88-year-old – who handles the WBC champion’s affairs in the US – has stated however that he believes his first bout after the coronavirus crisis will take place in America.
WBC champion Tyson Fury could next fight in 2021 due to the coronavirus crisisCredit: EPA
Wilder remains the most likely to face the unbeaten Brit next after he invoked his immediate rematch clause just six days after being stopped by Fury.
But the Bronze Bomber has since announced he has undergone surgery on his bicep, with it unclear how long he will be out for.
A fight to face compatriot Joshua would then be the fight fans want to see, with the duo bidding to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
However Joshua has been ordered to fight his IBF mandatory Kubrat Pulev, with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn insisting that AJ and Fury will face each other in 2021.
Next in line to face Fury would then be Dillian Whyte, with the Body Snatcher – who is the mandatory challenger for the WBC belt – declaring he is desperate to secure his first world title shot.
Commenting on the situation, Arum has revealed it is unlikely the ex-WBA, WBO and IBF champ will engage in a behind-closed-doors fight due to the money he will miss out on.
AR YOU SERIOUS?
And with US arenas potentially not holding events with fans until 2021, Arum was asked by World Boxing News about the lowdown on Fury’s next outing.
He said: “It depends on a lot of things. One this is for sure, Fury belongs in the United States. He’s built up a tremendous, tremendous audience here.
“If the travel ban is lifted, or is not as stringent, I would bring Fury over here to fight in a less-expensive fight than a Wilder fight.
“Maybe we could even do the Wilder fight. But somehow we would have to get it financed.”
Commenting on possible venues, he added: “There was a lot of talk about a Fury vs Joshua fight taking place in Saudi Arabia, but with oil selling at almost zero a barrel, how are the Saudis going to afford a big event?
Deontay Wilder was stopped in the seventh round by the Gypsy King in their last boutCredit: EPA
Anthony Joshua has made no secret of the fact he would love to face FuryCredit: AP:Associated Press
“But for Fury, except for a Joshua fight, any Tyson Fury fight happens in the United States.
“The Joshua fight I could possibly see being in the UK or maybe some Middle East location. But we’ll have to see.
“Again, Joshua still has a contract and obligation to fight Pulev, so how’s he going to get around that?”
Tyson Fury reveals he is training four times a day to be ready for Wilder as Brit goes 500 sit-ups in Instagram workout
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
