Boxing fans will have to wait for the highly-anticipated rematch between WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
The pair put on an absolute classic back in December. While both men could’ve arguably won the fight, the judges ruled the contest a majority draw. Talk of a rematch immediately began to dominate the newswire. Both Wilder and Fury seemed game to run things back off a quick turnaround. Of course, another roadblock has prevented that from happening.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has announced that they’ve canceled their ordered Wilder vs. Fury rematch. They revealed mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale will now get a shot at Wilder’s title after failed negotiations for the Fury fight (via IOL):
“WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder shall fulfil his mandatory obligations by fighting Dominic Breazeale next.”
WBC added that both parties have until April 4th to reach an agreement on terms and conditions for the contest. If no agreement can be made, then a purse bid will be held by the sanctioning body for the fight. That doesn’t seem like it’ll be an issue, however.
ESPN reports the Wilder and Breazeale camps are discussing a May 18th date from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Wilder’s co-manager, Shelly Finkel, had this to say:
“We’re hoping to get it done,” Finkel said. “Hopefully, it will happen this week or next week, and hopefully it’s done. At this point, it’s not done. But I think (Breazeale) is a competitive and viable opponent.”
He is a competitive opponent, but the overall boxing fanbase was looking for Wilder vs. Fury II. It could still happen someday, but Fury’s recent multi-fight contract with ESPN to air his fights in the US put a damper on that.
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