Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will challenge Tyson Fury for a third time after exercising his rematch clause this past weekend.
Promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum confirmed Sunday that both boxers will proceed with the trilogy fight.
“Wilder and his representatives formally notified us [Friday] night that they have accepted the rematch and are going forward,” Arum told reporters. “It’s going to happen in the summer, before the Olympics. Middle of July.”
Wilder’s decision to exercise the rematch clause came less than a week after Fury defeated Wilder in the seventh round via TKO on Feb. 22. Wilder’s trainer, Mark Breland, threw in the towel after Wilder was knocked down twice in the one-sided bout.
After the fight, Wilder blamed the loss on his 40-pound costume that he wore to the ring. The “Bronze Bomber” said the heavy attire weakened his legs before the bout.
The loss was the first of Wilder’s (42-1-1, 41 KOs) professional boxing career. Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) retained his lineal heavyweight title and captured Wilder’s WBC belt with the victory.
The first meeting between Fury and Wilder took place Dec. 1, 2018, ending in a controversial split draw.
Source: UPI.com
