Tyson Fury has stated he will only accept a fourth fight with Deontay Wilder if it is held in the United Kingdom.
The 'Gypsy King' has shared a huge heavyweight rivalry with Wilder in recent years, which has seen the pair touch gloves on three previous occasions. Most recently, it appeared that their differences had been settled, with Fury picking up a stoppage win in their classic trilogy encounter last year, after which both fighters considered retirement
However, in recent weeks, Wilder has suggested that a fourth fight between the pair is likely in the future, particularly given his status as the leading contender to Fury's WBC crown. The British star has insisted he would be open to another showdown and has hailed his rival's punching power.
“Deontay Wilder is now fighting Andy Ruiz Jr in a final eliminator to fight me and that would be amazing over here in Wembley,” Fury said in an interview with BT Sport when discussing a fourth meeting with the 'Bronze Bomber'. "I’ve been over there [the United States] three times now, if he wants the fourth fight he’s got to come to England. Do it at Wembley, break all records again. Wilder is a phenomenal athlete and a phenomenal puncher.
"Here’s the thing, I beat Wilder, some people say three times and some people say two and a draw, however you want to look at it. So, would people be interested in seeing me and him fight again for a fourth time? Yeah, even after three defeats. How many times can you play with fire before you get burned? We’ll see what the future holds, but the future is bright for ‘The Gypsy King’ and I ain’t going nowhere.”
Wilder could find himself in pole position to face Fury in summer next year providing he comes through his planned contest with Ruiz Jr, who he was ordered to face by the WBC at their latest convention. The 'Gypsy King' will first face the test of Derek Chisora on December 3 in a voluntary defence at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before he could look to become undisputed champion by facing Oleksandr Usyk next year.
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The 'Bronze Bomber' has suggested he will first look to challenge Usyk himself but will likely follow the WBC title route if the Ukrainian does indeed face Fury. Despite Fury's open stance on the bout, his father, John, has suggested he should not hand another shot to "maniac" Wilder.
"If I'm Tyson, I wouldn't entertain it," Fury Sr said. "Wilder's still adamant he was cheated out of three fights. God almighty, how can you cheat a knockout blow? How can you cheat that? So, in my book they don't deserve another payday. The man's a maniac. I don't like Wilder at all, and I wouldn't give him another payday. But it's up to Tyson. I just don't like that man."
