By Tim Parsons-
Tyson Fury’s highly anticipated rematch with WBC champion Deontey Wilder is in serious doubt, after the Brit received a mega co- promotional £80m deal with U.S company Top Rank, who are closely affiliated with ESPN.
The new multi pound deal with U.S top promoter, Bob Arum is believed to be groundbreaking and could protect Fury from the risk of defeat against Wilder in their previously planned rematch, whilst securing him multi millions of pounds. In another sense, it may be a blessing in disguise to Wilder, who may have lost his title to the awkward and unorthodoxed Fury, who moves so well for a big man, and has a three stones advantage against the American. Wilder’s team revealed last December on the Joe Rogan Show that their man had a super fast metabolism that made gaining weight very difficult for him.
The devastating American puncher was forced to settle for a draw in his world title defence against Fury, after struggling to penetrate the huge, quick, and unorthodox unbeaten Fury. It would be safer for both fighters to go separate ways for now, but will be a blow to boxing fans , who would have loved to see the rematch.
At a sudden press conference held in Stratford, East London, Fury and Warren expressed an interest in the rematch, but seemed less bothered as to whether it happens immediately. Negotiatons for the rematch has not been as easy as was the case the first time they met. Talks to stage the rematch have broken down twice before now, but were back on track when this news came suddenly. said of the groundbreaking deal: “I’m delighted that Frank and Queensberry Promotions have teamed up with Top Rank to promote my fights in America.”
“I cannot remember being in better shape, I trained right through Christmas and New Year, I am in a training habit that keeps me well, and I get paid to do it, it’s a nice job.
“People will have to come to the Tyson Fury show now because I have my own platform. I am not the opponent anymore. They have to come to me.”
In relation to the Wilder rematch, now on the back burner, he said: “I am happy with whatever happens, whatever cards I am dealt. I am happy with everything.
“We are in a very dangerous sport, more than winning and losing, going home healthy is all that matters.
Wilder is still a useless big dosser, they messed my record with a big blue tick but I cannot complain because I am out of trouble.” His current promoter Warren said: “Tyson Fury and Queensbury have signed along-term deal with ESPN. They will be his exclusive broadcaster in the states with three million subscribers.”
He added: “Tyson wants the (Wilder) rematch but Showtime is not the only game in town. We have to sit down and try to get it over the line.
“We want Tyson out asap, we will get him out, that’s what he’s training for, he wants to be a big star.
“This ESPN situation is one of the biggest things to happen to a British sportsman.
“Three million viewers is huge for a British fighter. His next fight looks like being back in America.”
“I’m delighted that Frank and Queensberry Promotions have teamed up with Top Rank to promote my fights in America.
“With ESPN and BT Sport behind me, the biggest sports platforms in the world are now linked up with the best heavyweight in the world!
Fury still wants the fight with Wilder to prove he is the best in the division, and the American world champion also wants to settle the score, after the first time of not winning a fight in 41 outings. If the fight does not happen immediately, it will give Fury a chance to meet other opponents with less risk of defeat, and also allow Wilder more time to add weight, something he needs to compete well against the division’s very best big boys. At 15 stonne 2 inches, the American is underweight, and finds himself at a disadvantage against big men like Fury, who has a good boxing brain. He may even find himself at a huge disadvantage against the likes of Anthony Joshua, who hits very hard and is very dangerous when on the attack.
Wilder has shown great power and ability to remain the champion and defeat so many heavyweights, despite being so light. His speed and power has been his greatest asset, but against the division’s best, he needs close to another stone of weight and muscles to be on a level playing field.