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Deontay Wilder Claims Tyson Fury Doesn't Want To Fight Him

Deontay Wilder Claims Tyson Fury Doesn't Want To Fight Him

The WBC and lineal champions are expected to have a rematch of their December 2018 fight in early 2020 but now there are questions.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Deontay Wilder has thrown doubt over his rematch with Tyson Fury, expected to happen early next year, by claiming that Fury doesn't want the fight.

WBC champion Wilder and fellow undefeated heavyweight Fury fought to an exciting draw in December 2018 and were expected to have a rematch in 2020, as long as they both won their next fights.

The Bronze Bomber has now brought that fight into question, and brought about the idea of a possible unification fight, by questioning Fury's commitment to the rematch. Speaking to 78SportsTV the American said, "In my opinion, I don't feel Fury wants to fight me again anyway.

"If this opportunity comes about, I think Fury will pass up his opportunity, he would want me to fight for the unification, and then come back and fight him.

"He ain't really no king, he don't have a title. I revived his career for him, you're welcome."

Somewhat ironically though it sounds like it is Wilder who doesn't want the fight. Speaking about the prospect of facing the winner of Anthony Joshua's rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr, for the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF titles, the undefeated 33-year-old said he'd ask Fury to step aside, adding, "' think he would do that anyway [step aside], but I would want him to do it as well, to give a unification.

"One champion, one face, one name. That has never left my mind."

Wilder and Fury's first fight was an instant classic. Image: PA Images
Wilder and Fury's first fight was an instant classic. Image: PA Images

Before there's any decision on what the next fights are in the heavyweight title picture all four men will fight again. Fury is next up when he faces Otto Wallin in America on September 14th.

On December 7th Joshua has the chance to win back the titles he lost to Ruiz when the pair have their rematch in Saudi Arabia.

Finally there is Wilder's own rematch with Luis Ortiz, who was the opponent he beat before facing Fury for the first time, though no date has been set.

The two men showed a lot of respect and there was instantly talk of a rematch. Image: PA Images
The two men showed a lot of respect and there was instantly talk of a rematch. Image: PA Images

Fury and Wilder's rematch has already been rescheduled as it was first expected to happen as both men's next fight following their draw last December.

Questions were raised when the British boxer signed with ESPN in February and this latest development adds more confusion to whether the pair will face again.

Whilst everyone would be excited for a unification between Wilder and AJ or Ruiz it would be a massive shame not to see Fury get the rematch his first performance proved he deserves.

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