Tyson Fury’s trilogy rematch against Deontay Wilder has been slated for October 3, according to latest reports.
Fury dominated Wilder last month, inflicting a first career defeat on his American opponent to claim the WBC world heavyweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
It was the second clash between the rivals, after their first meeting in December 2018 was scored as a draw.
Under the terms of their contract, the loser of last month’s clash was entitled to demand a third fight, and Wilder triggered that option just six days after he his seventh-round stoppage at the hands of the Gypsy King.
Now that fight has been slated to take place on October 3, again in Las Vegas, according to The Athletic.
The trilogy had been expected to take place on July 18, but Mirror Sportreported earlier this week that the fight would have to be put back three months with boxing currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Fury’s promoter Bob Arum told ESPN: “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.
“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.
(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
The change of date also throws a potential unification fight between Fury and fellow world champion Anthony Joshua into doubt.
A December date had been discussed, with the fight likely to take place in Saudi Arabia – assuming Fury beat Wilder again and Joshua saw off the challenge of Kubrat Pulev.
The Bulgarian is due to challenge for Joshua’s three belts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20, but that fight could be moved to July 25 or later.
