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Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3: Will they fight again, when will it be and who will Anthony Joshua face?

REUTERS
REUTERS

Tyson Fury is the heavyweight champion of the world once again after a stunning win over Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Fury knocked the now former WBC champ down twice before the fight was waived off in the seventh round at the MGM Grand Arena.

Now talk is already turning to when the two heavyweight rivals will meet again with a rematch already set.

So what do we know? And what do we not? And what of Anthony Joshua and a possible fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown?

Here’s everything you need to know:

What happened in the first two fights?

The first fight between the two took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles on December 1 2018.

Fury dominated the fight and looked to be heading to a points win before Wilder knocked him to the canvas in the 12th only for the Brit to miraculously beat the count and climb back to his feet.

Despite many onlookers believing Fury had done enough to win the fight ended as a controversial split draw with scorecards of 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and one 113-113.

After plenty of negotiations and a couple of tune-up contests the two finally agreed to a rematch with the second fight taking place at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on February 22.

Fury, known for his defensive style, turned the pre-fight predictions on their head taking the fight to the champion, flooring Wilder in the third round, and again in the fifth round, before the American’s corner threw in the towel to end it in the seventh.

As a result Fury took ownership of the WBC and Ring Magazine belts to go with his linear title.

Fury dismantled Wilder to recapture the heavyweight crown (AFP)
Fury dismantled Wilder to recapture the heavyweight crown (AFP)

When will the rematch be?

Wilder has already hinted he will exercise the rematch clause in the fight contract meaning the two men will lace them up for a trilogy fight sooner rather than later.

It’s understood that the rematch must be scheduled within six months of the second fight, meaning a summer clash appeared to be on the cards.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has forced plans backwards and it is now unlikely to happen until at least the autumn.

Frank Warrren, Fury’s promoter, recently said: Possibly the fight will be in early October.”

Where will it be?

Las Vegas is set to host again as it did for the second fight.

Fury has already indicated a wish to take the clash to the newly built Allegiant Stadium, the home of NFL franchise the Las Vegas Raiders, a venue that could hold as many as 70,000 people.

Warren said: “It’s contracted to take place in the States. That is the contract and set in stone unless anyone agrees differently.”

What belts will it be for?

The fight will be for Fury’s WBC and Ring Magazine belts and, if Wilder wins, the lineal crown also.

Fury poses with his belts (Reuters)
Fury poses with his belts (Reuters)

Why is Fury not fighting Anthony Joshua?

The much-anticipated meeting of the two British fighters will have to wait with Wilder keen for a shot at redemption. Promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren have “promised” it will happen at some point but the American holds all the cards right now.

The curveball remains Kubrat Pulev with the Bulgarian Joshua’s mandatory challenger for his IBF strap.

Those two are likely to fight this summer, with a June 20 scrap at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium the bookies’ favourite next step for AJ.

Who will win?

The multi-million pound question. If Fury puts on another show as good as he showed this time around then there is surely only one winner.

If Wilder wears a lighter costume to the ring and connects with that right hand then maybe it’s different.

Who knows? Maybe we’re talking about a fourth fight come 2021.