Deontay Wilder is reportedly in 'preliminary talks' with Charles Martin for a fight in the first quarter of 2021 as a third bout with Tyson Fury is cast in uncertainty.
And Wilder, who suffered his first professional defeat to Fury, wasted no time in invoking his rematch clause in the hopes of recapturing the WBC title.
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A third fight between Wilder and Fury was scheduled for last summer, but the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic postponed the bout.
Wilder vs Fury was expected to be rescheduled for the end of 2020, but the 'Gypsy King' came out in October to say that he had "moved on" from facing his fierce rival.
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Wilder's co-manager, Shelly Finkel, has now suggested that a mediator 'informed' them that Fury does not want to face the 'Bronze Bomber' again.
According to Finkel, the plan for Wilder's camp is to take the case to arbitration.
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The 76-year-old promoter revealed that the plan to file for arbitration sometime in the next two weeks.
"We're going to go for everything we can," Finkel told Sports Illustrated.
"I'm a realist with what I am up against. We have an agreement.
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"Even if we didn't have an agreement, we gave Fury two shots. He has made more money than he has ever seen.
"Deontay was very kind to him while he was going through his mental problems. Forget everything else, morally he should give him his shot."
Wilder could return to action against former IBF heavyweight titleholder Martin should the dispute with the Fury fight continue.
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Finkel confirmed that Martin is one of the names under consideration for Wilder's next opponent, saying they are "going to be prepared to get him back in the ring."
Wilder's co-manager explained: "If we can't get the Fury fight, Deontay needs to be active.
"If it's the worst-case scenario, we are going to be prepared to get him back in the ring."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Tyson Fury, Bronze Bomber, Boxing News, Boxing, Gypsy King, Deontay Wilder