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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jack Rathborn

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3: Bob Arum reveals new date for third fight as current plan makes 'no sense' due to coronavirus

Tyson Fury’s third fight against Deontay Wilder will be delayed due to coronavirus with October now the provisional date to complete the trilogy.

Promoter Bob Arum concedes the global pandemic will force a rethink over initial plans to stage the WBC world heavyweight title fight on 18 July.

Fury is obligated to give the American a rematch by the end of July under the terms of the second fight, which he won in emphatic fashion by stoppage in he seventh round.

But with boxing no different to any other sport and suspended throughout the world, Arum claims it makes “no sense” to precede with the current plan. 

“Clearly not,” snapped the legendary promoter when asked if the fight would take place in July as planned. ”We don’t even know if the MGM will even be open by then.

“You could not guarantee the fighters that the event would take place on that date. We couldn’t convince them or ourselves.

“Where were they going to train for it? It just made no sense. You just have to take a step back. 

Fury celebrates his victory over Wilder (AFP)

“How are you going to sell tickets? It’s absolutely ridiculous to say the fight is on when the Brits can’t even get there. 

“So everybody has to take a step back. Boxing is not isolated.

“It’s part of what’s happening in the world. So possibly the fight will be in early October.’ 

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