Undefeated lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has inked a co-promotional deal with Top Rank which will allow him to appear on the ESPN network. The question becomes what will happen to a much-anticipated rematch with Premier Boxing Champions and World Boxing Council champion Deontay Wilder.
The Fury-Wilder rematch was reportedly close to fruition, but with the new wrinkle of Fury signing with a rival promotion and network, the fight may be on hold. The December 1, 2018 fight between Wilder and Fury occurred on Showtime Boxing’s PPV.
The news now has put a damper on the possible rematch with Deontay Wilder which ended in a draw. The fight was highlighted by Fury going down to a vicious shot from Wilder in the final round only for him to rise from the blow to finish the round.
Payout Perspective:
Fury’s signing is another indicator of the splintering of combat sports. Unless the sides can agree to a deal to pit the top two heavyweights in boxing, the sport will once again fall victim to promoters carving out their territory. Can the sides come to a deal? Of course, but it undoubtedly puts the rematch on the back burner.
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