Tyson Fury’s heavyweight title defence against Dillian Whyte appears to be on after both boxers reportedly signed contracts to fight in England in April.
A number of news outlets reported early on Tuesday that contracts had been lodged to the WBC hours before the organisation’s deadline. According to ESPN, the pair will clash for Fury’s WBC crown at Wembley Stadium in London on April 23.
However, the same report claimed there did remain one outstanding issue to resolve, in relation to Whyte’s contract. The Brit, whose professional record reads 28-2, is the WBC’s interim champion having defeated Alexander Povetkin in their rematch last March. Whyte was the longstanding No 1 mandatory challenger.
Fury, meanwhile, is undefeated in his 32 pro bouts, with his most recent fight in October – the knockout victory in the trilogy against Deontay Wilder – lifting his record to 31 wins and a solitary draw.
Fury, 33, has spent the past few weeks calling out Whyte on social media and in the press, labelling Whyte a “coward” in an interview with The National in Dubai earlier this month.
“And I ain’t got no time for cowards,” Fury added.
The bout against Whyte will mark Fury's first in the UK since August 2018. Should the Englishman emerge victorious, then he will most probably compete next for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Oleksandr Usyk, the current WBA, IBF and WBO belt-holder, is expected to rematch Anthony Joshua in April or May, also in England.
Last month, Fury’s co-promoter Frank Warren won the rights to stage the encounter between his client and Whyte, with a record $42 million purse bid. Fury is understood to receive almost $30m of that, with Whyte taking home a little more than $7m. A bonus of $4m goes to the winner.
Asked by The National this month what sort of threat Whyte would pose, Fury said: “Nothing. The guy’s a bum. None of these fights turn me on any more. Not one of them. It’s just a boxing match to me now.
“Even the Wilder fights didn’t really get me up for the fights. It’s just a boxing match these days. I don’t have any specific reason for doing it. I do it because I can and it’s easy. That’s it.”
Fury vs Wilder III
-
WBC champion Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder in the 11th round of their incredible heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas in October, 2021. EPA -
Tyson Fury on his way to the ring for his WBC heavyweight title fight with Deontay Wilder at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on October 9, 2021. AFP -
Deontay Wilder makes his entrance before the fight. Reuters -
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder prepare to fight. Reuters -
Fury in action against Deontay Wilder in round one. Reuters -
Tyson Fury on the front foot. Reuters -
Tyson Fury lands a punch on US challenger Deontay Wilder. AFP -
Tyson Fury on the attack. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder is knocked down by Tyson Fury in the third round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder knocks down Tyson Fury in the fourth round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury reacts after being knocked down by Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury gets up after he was knocked down twice in the fourth round. AP -
Tyson Fury was in big trouble in the fourth round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury receives attention in his corner. Reuters -
Tyson Fury fights back against Deontay Wilder. EPA -
Deontay Wilder goes down on one knee as the referee holds back Tyson Fury during round six. AFP -
Tyson Fury in action against Deontay Wilder in an incredible fight. Reuters -
The action continued at a frenetic pace as Fury started to edge ahead on the scorecards. AP -
Deontay Wilder swings at Tyson Fury as the battle continuedn into round nine. AP -
Tyson Fury raises his arms after knocking down Wilder in the tenth round - but that wasn't the end. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder is given the count in round ten. Reuters -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury knocks out US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
What a fight! Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury KOs Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury starts his celebrations. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after his victory against US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after his victory against US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
Tyson Fury celebrates after defeating Deontay Wilder to retain his title. AP -
Tyson Fury after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury's team celebrate. Reuters -
Tyson Fury gives an interview after the fight. Reuters -
Tyson Fury celebrates with his wife Paris. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, trainer SugarHill Steward, wife, Paris and team during a press conference after Fury won the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, trainer SugarHill Steward and commentator, Crystina Poncher. Reuters -
Tyson Fury during a press conference after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder, as promoter Bob Arum looks on. Reuters -
Promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum. Reuters -
Tyson Fury and trainer SugarHill Steward with the belts during a press conference. Reuters -
Tyson Fury speaks on his phone during a press conference after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters
