The decision of independent arbitrator that the WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury must face former champion Deontay Wilder in a rematch may affect heavyweight unification bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Retired judge Daniel Weinstein upheld a claim lodged by Wilder that Fury must face him in a third fight by September 15 following their February 2020 title battle.
While the arbitrator’s ruling is not a formal court order, it would be deemed enforceable by courts if Wilder and Fury are unable to reach agreement.
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told the BBC on Tuesday he hoped Wilder would, for a lucrative fee, agree to step aside and allow the bout to go ahead.
According to him, “until we can reach an accommodation with Deontay Wilder’s people, I can’t say that (Fury’s fight with Joshua) will definitely happen,” said Warren.
“But we are working hard to get that over the line.
“We were talking last night and hopefully we can do that.
“If not then Tyson, if he wishes, will go to the fight with Wilder. They’re the only two options.”
Monday’s ruling comes just a day after Fury announced he had agreed to fight Joshua in Saudi Arabia on August 14 where the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts will be up for grabs.
