Heavyweight boxing

EDDIE HEARN has warned Tyson Fury must resolve his trilogy issue with Deontay Wilder this week – or else they turn to Oleksandr Usyk. It comes after a US judge ruled in favour of Wilder in arbitration, meaning Fury owes the American a third fight in their series.
Deontay Wilder has won the right to a third fight with Tyson FuryCredit: The Sun
Anthony Joshua’s fight with Tyson Fury has now been thrown in doubtCredit: PA
AJ and the Gypsy King were all-but ready to put every heavyweight belt on the line on August 14 in Saudi Arabia.
And Hearn, a driving force in securing a deal for the all-British unification, hopes the historic clash can still be saved.
But he admitted it is out of his hands and is lining up a backup option in Usyk, 34, who is currently Joshua’s WBO mandatory challenger.
Hearn said on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel: “I have been focusing on Plan A. The only fight we had our mind on was Tyson Fury.
“We hope that that fight can still take place on August 14th.
“The game changed last night where we have to have a plan B in place, and probably a plan C as well.
“We have a couple of different options; of course, the one that springs to mind immediately is the WBO mandatory of Oleksandr Usyk.
“They have been quite patient and I think really, we are in a situation where if Team Fury don’t get themselves together, get their act together, by the end of this week, we will have no option but to look for an alternative fight.”

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Fury, 32, dethroned Wilder, 35, of the WBC belt in February 2020 but their contract included an immediate rematch.
That never came to fruition amid the coronavirus pandemic and the Gypsy King’s team argued the stipulation expired in October.
As a result, they entered talks with Joshua, 31, all while Wilder took his case to civil court.
And after months the decision went his way, meaning Fury is faced with either fighting him or negotiating a step aside deal.
But his US promoter Bob Arum has thrown further doubt in the hopes of a Battle of Britain after insisting they will not give Wilder a penny to sit out.
Arum told ESPN: “We’re not paying Wilder to step aside. It’s better to get rid of him. We can make Fury vs AJ for November or December.”
The veteran promoter also revealed he has reserved the new 65,000-seater Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for July 24 should Fury have to box Wilder again.
Hearn is arming himself with cover too, having entered talks with Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk but fears full fan capacity in the UK will not be guaranteed.
Promoter Alex Krassyuk and Oleksandr UsykCredit: Mark Robinson
He said: “AJ wants to fight this summer, Oleksandr Usyk is the mandatory, we have two or three other options as well.
“In an ideal world, if the right deal could be done, to maintain those belts and to keep the Fury fight alive for December, but for the undisputed as well.
“I had a very good conversation this morning with Alex Krassyuk, he is a partner of ours and we have worked very well with Oleksandr Usyk and I was just very honest.
“I said to him, ‘Team Fury are trying to solve the issue, if they don’t, there’s a very good chance we could be fighting you.’
“So if we are all sensible, let’s move forward, let’s try and look at the options to get that locked in.
“Again, we are in a situation where we just don’t know how likely it is to get a full venue for August in the UK.
“That was one of the reasons it was ruled out for the Fury fight, we couldn’t get the confirmation from Wembley and other venues that we would be allowed full capacity.”
Deontay Wilder has explosive first training session since announcing comeback with Tyson Fury fight still on cards More

DEONTAY WILDER could be handed over £14MILLION by Tyson Fury’s team in order for his bout with Anthony Joshua to go ahead.The Gypsy King’s undisputed dust-up to face his British rival in August is in serious jeopardy after he was ordered to fight the Bronze Bomber for a third time.
Tyson Fury has been ordered to fight Deontay Wilder for a third time before September 15Credit: The Sun
Anthony Joshua’s hopes to fight the Gyspy King in August is in serious doubtCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
After being dethroned by the unbeaten Mancunian in February, the former WBC heavyweight champion was eligible to invoke a third meeting against Fury.
But injuries and the coronavirus pandemic delayed the fight, with Team Fury claiming in October that the contract for a trilogy had expired.
However, a US judge has now decided, following an arbitration, that Wilder is legally due a third fight that must happen by September 15.
According to the Daily Mail, the American knockout specialist could be handed a step-aside fee of more than £14m, with Fury’s team confident an agreement can be reached.
With Fury’s potential fight against AJ to be worth around £200m, it has been said that handing over an eight-figure sum to Wilder is an expensive hit worth taking.
Speaking to the news outlet, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren said: “The arbitrator ruled in Deontay Wilder’s favour and that means he has ordered the rematch to take place.
“We obviously have to try to reach some accommodation with Wilder. If we can’t then Tyson has got to make a decision on whether he wants to fight him or not.”
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Asked whether the priority is sorting out a bout between Fury and Joshua is the priority, he remarked: “Absolutely. That is what everyone wants, what the public wants, we all want to see it.
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“But at the moment we have to deal with Wilder one way or another. We will work hard to make it happen to keep the fight on.
“He will have to be satisfied. We will have to have to satisfy him, and if it is a settlement he will want paying for it, no doubt about that.”
Though Top Rank promoter Bob Arum – who handles the affairs of Fury in the US – has stated that the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas has been reserved for July 24.
He told ESPN: “We’re not paying Wilder to step aside. It’s better to get rid of him and go about our business.
“We can make the Fury-Joshua fight for November or December.”

Tyson Fury confirms Anthony Joshua showdown is on with duo’s bout set for August 14 in Saudi Arabia More

TYSON FURY’S undisputed clash against Anthony Joshua looks to be in severe doubt for August with a third fight against Deontay Wilder reportedly being planned for July.Fury and AJ have been busy plotting their Saudi Arabia straightener since June, even promising a double-header before 2022
Tyson Fury could now have to fight Deontay Wilder BEFORE Anthony JoshuaCredit: Reuters
‼️ Bob Arum has revealed that Top Rank have reserved July 24th at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III. He said: “We’re not paying Wilder to step aside. It’s better to get rid of him. We can make Fury vs AJ for November or December.” [@ESPN]— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 18, 2021

But a US judge has now decided, following an arbitration, that Wilder is legally due a third fight that must happen by September.
Fury battered the American to his first ever defeat in February last year to become the WBC heavyweight champion.
There was a rematch clause in the deal that Wilder has refused to give up on despite Team Fury claiming it had expired.
Now Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum is planning for Wilder first, to take place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on July 24.
He told ESPN: “We’re not paying Wilder to step aside. It’s better to get rid of him. We can make Fury vs AJ for November or December.”
Unless Team Fury win an appeal, the only way to secure the biggest fight in British boxing history will be paying Wilder off and, based on earnings from that last Las Vegas battle, that could be up to £8million.
AJ promoter Eddie Hearn has previously claimed that Wilder’s legal claim would pose no problem but he has also insisted that Joshua would refuse to contribute anything to the fee needed to buy Wilder out, which SunSport believes Fury will argue against.
But Arum’s latest words cast fresh doubt that Wilder can be shifted to one side to allow for the all-British clash.
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Anthony Joshua could see his big fight against Tyson Fury in August scrappedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/

There could now be talks between Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, who is the WBO mandatory challenger.
Speaking to the Express, Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk has stated he will sit down with Eddie Hearn to discuss a potential fight.
He said: “The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes this morning was several texts on my phone from different people around the world stating the same fact: Fury versus AJ is off. It is off.
“Regarding Usyk, it depends. I will speak to Eddie in one hour, we have already exchanged texts this morning.
“It looks like we have a fight to make. We have agreed to speak in one hour when things will become clearer.
“Usyk is mandatory for WBO and the only obstacle that made them sanction the interim was the huge unification between Fury and Joshua.
“And if the fight is off then there is no other obstacles and Joshua has to deal with his mandatory.”
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Fury might have to go a third time against WilderCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Wilder suddenly started training seriously again earlier this month and, worryingly for UK fight fans, already looks ready for a comeback bout
Former heavyweight world champ David Haye saw this coming last month when he told SunSport: “I have never heard of a long-running world champion – like Deontay Wilder was – not having a rematch clause in place in case he loses.”
“Deontay himself has been very quiet, the team around him have not given much away but I would be very surprised if does not have some sort of impact in the making of this fight or gets something out of it not being him Fury is facing next.
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Tyson Fury’s wife Paris relaxes by the pool after flying four kids in First Class to confront the boxer in Miami More

ANTHONY JOSHUA and Oleksandr Usyk’s promoters are set to hold talks on Tuesday over a potential fight with Deontay Wilder contracted to face Tyson Fury.AJ’s undisputed bout against the Gypsy King is in serious jeopardy with the Bronze Bomber contractually tied to a trilogy fight against the unbeaten British star.
Anthony Joshua’s fight to face British rival Tyson Fury in August is in serious doubtCredit: Rex
Oleksandr Usyk may receive his WBO mandatory title shot quicker than expectedCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Wilder was eligible to invoke a third meeting against Fury after he was dethroned by his rival in February 2020.
But injuries and the coronavirus pandemic delayed the fight, with Team Fury claiming in October that the contract for a trilogy had expired.
However, a US judge has now decided, following an arbitration, that Wilder is legally due a third fight that must happen by September 15.
In order for Fury to face Joshua in August, Wilder could be handed step-aside money to seal the dust-up in the Middle East.
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But should Wilder refuse to budge, Joshua could face his WBO mandatory Usyk sooner than expected.
Speaking to the Express, Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk has stated he will sit down with Eddie Hearn to discuss a potential fight.
He said: “The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes this morning was several texts on my phone from different people around the world stating the same fact: Fury versus AJ is off. It is off.
“Regarding Usyk, it depends. I will speak to Eddie in one hour, we have already exchanged texts this morning.
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Tyson Fury could have to fight Deontay Wilder before a meeting against JoshuaCredit: PA

“It looks like we have a fight to make. We have agreed to speak in one hour when things will become clearer.
“Usyk is mandatory for WBO and the only obstacle that made them sanction the interim was the huge unification between Fury and Joshua.
“And if the fight is off then there is no other obstacles and Joshua has to deal with his mandatory.”
Unbeaten Ukrainian legend Usyk has bulked up since stepping up to heavyweight, with the 2012 Olympic gold medallist recently hitting 16st 5lbs.

Tyson Fury confirms Anthony Joshua showdown is on with duo’s bout set for August 14 in Saudi Arabia More

TYSON FURY faces having to pay Deontay Wilder step aside money to keep his hopes of fighting Anthony Joshua alive. It comes after an arbitration judge ruled in favour of the American, who was seeking a trilogy bout with Fury.
Deontay Wilder is owed a trilogy fight with Tyson FuryCredit: AP
Anthony Joshua was set to fight Tyson Fury on August 14Credit: Getty
Wilder, beaten by the Brit in February 2020, was contracted to an immediate rematch with his heavyweight rival.
But as talks stalled amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Gypsy King’s team claimed the stipulation expired in October.
As a result, they entered talks with Joshua for an undisputed title decider, which was heading for August 14 in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Wilder was fighting his case for a shot at redemption with a mediator.
And now the Daily Star has reported that the legal dispute has gone the former WBC champion’s way.
Fury, 32, has been told he owes Wilder, 35, a third fight and would be breaching his contract if he failed to meet him in the ring again.
But according to The Athletic, the undisputed title decider between Britain’s two superstars can still go ahead – even though the water has been muddied.
The Telegraph say the case is believed to be civil, not federal, meaning a payout in compensation for Wilder is possible.

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And due to the huge £110m site fee on offer in Saudi Arabia, the Alabamian could be in line for a settlement between £3.5m and £5.6m.
The Bronze Bomber is co-managed by Shelly Finkel, Mike Tyson’s former representative, and mysterious boxing mogul Al Haymon.
They have both remained silent throughout the process but Finkel has always reiterated their case was being taken care of in arbitration.
The news comes only a day after Fury confirmed his unification with AJ was set in stone.
He said in a social media video: “Got some massive news for you all.
“I’ve just got off the phone from Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia, he’s told me this fight is 100 per cent on. August 14, 2021 summertime.
“All eyes of the world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury drew in 2018Credit: Reuters
Tyson Fury dethroned Deontay Wilder of the WBC belt in 2020Credit: Getty
“And I cannot wait, 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. All eyes on us.
“Peace out, God bless, see you all in Saudi! Yes, get in!”
Now it is believed he has been order to fight Wilder – the man he initially drew with in 2018 – for a third time by September 15.
Fury and his US promoter Bob Arum flew to California for an arbitration meeting with Wilder’s representatives in late April.
At the time, he told Ring Magazine negotiations for a third fight between the two were possible as he claimed talks with Joshua’s side stalled.
Since then, Arum and AJ’s backer Hearn confirmed the final touches in the contract for the undisputed title fight were being put together.
Deontay Wilder pictured with his new trainer Malik ScottCredit: Instagram @malikkingscott
The Bronze Bomber has recently returned to training and announced his new trainer Malik Scott, 40, the man he knocked out in 2014.
He has largely remained silent since his first ever loss but has made headlines whenever he has made a rare appearance.
That was largely due to him listing his bizarre excuses for his defeat to Fury, made baselessly and without evidence.
They included the Brit loading his gloves with WEIGHTS and his water being ‘spiked’.
Fury was so enraged with the accusations, Arum said in January he would NEVER fight Wilder again.
But it remains to be seen how Wilder’s win in mediation will affect the three leading heavyweights, with their representatives yet to comment on the development.
Tyson Fury confirms Anthony Joshua showdown is on with duo’s bout set for August 14 in Saudi Arabia More

TYSON FURY has vowed to ‘take back what I never lost’ as he eyes Anthony Joshua’s belts in their Saudi Arabia title fight. The two heavyweight champions are set to announce the undisputed title decider between them will take place on August 14 in the Middle East.
Tyson Fury vowed to ‘take back what I never lost’ as he eyes Anthony Joshua belts

Fury confirmed the unification was on after revealing a phone call he had with Prince Khalid Adbdulaziz Al Saud.
And he has played up to his Saudi fans after he posted a mocked up image of the 1962 classic Lawrence of Arabia.
With his face on a ‘Tyson of Arabia’ poster, Fury tweeted: “Time to take back what I never lost. Every belt there (sic) all mine chump!”
Fury, 32, is referring to the WBA, IBF and WBO belts Joshua, 31, proudly owns.
They are the same unified straps the Gypsy King won in 2015 after upsetting the odds against Wladimir Klitschko, now 45, in 2015.
But after a battle with depression and substance abuse, Fury was forced to vacate the crowns he won in historic fashion.
Over the course of two years, starting in 2016, AJ inherited the belts while the Gypsy King was on his inspirational comeback trail.
He capped it off in February 2020 as he dethroned Deontay Wilder, 35, of the WBC title, the only one he had not yet won.

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Both men have experience in Saudi, AJ beat Andy Ruiz Jr, 31, in December 2019 in his rematch in Riyadh.
And Fury two months prior made his WWE debut at ‘Crown Jewel’ in the same location.
Prince Khalid, the country’s defence secretary and son of King Salman, is the backer bringing the unification to the Middle East.
And it was a conversation he had with Fury that convinced the unbeaten heavyweight his date with destiny was set in stone.
 “Got some massive news for you all,” Fury said in a social media video.
Tyson Fury made his WWE debut in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters
Anthony Joshua beat Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia in 2019Credit: Getty
“I’ve just got off the phone from Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia, he’s told me this fight is 100 per cent on. August 14, 2021 summertime.
“All eyes of the world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“And I cannot wait, 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. All eyes on us.
“Peace out, God bless, see you all in Saudi! Yes, get in!”
Tyson Fury confirms Anthony Joshua showdown is on with duo’s bout set for August 14 in Saudi Arabia More

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs Tyson Fury is set to have world title fights and cross promotional bouts as part of their £3.5million undercard budget. The two heavyweight champions are set to announce the undisputed title decider between them will take place on August 14 in Saudi Arabia.
Antthony Joshua and promoter Eddie HearnCredit: PA:Press Association
Tyson Fury with his promoters Bob Arum and Frank WarrenCredit: Reuters
According to ESPN, the site fee guarantees both men £53m EACH with an extra £3.5m to spend on expenses and the rest of the bill.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed to DAZN the supporting acts will include multiple world title fights.
And there is also the opportunity for rare clashes between the opposing promoters’ stables.
That means Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing could go against Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank.
Hearn has been a major driving force in securing a deal having worked with the Saudis before.
He took Joshua’s 2019 rematch win with Andy Ruiz Jr, 31, over to Diriyah, where a special 18,000-seater indoor arena was built.
Prince Khalid Adbdulaziz Al Saud, the country’s defence secretary and son of King Salman, is the backer bringing the unification to the Middle East.
And Fury confirmed the fight was on after revealing a phone call he had with the Prince.

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He said in a social media video: “Got some massive news for you all.
“I’ve just got off the phone from Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia, he’s told me this fight is 100 per cent on. August 14, 2021 summertime.
“All eyes of the world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. And I cannot wait, 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. All eyes on us.
“Peace out, God bless, see you all in Saudi! Yes, get in!”
Tyson Fury confirms Anthony Joshua showdown is on with duo’s bout set for August 14 in Saudi Arabia More