The third showdown between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will likely be saved for a date when fans are allowed to watch the fight in the flesh. As most know by now, health experts are discouraging the gathering of large crowds to prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading. Hence, revenue from gate receipts and pay-per-view buys will take a hit.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is fully aware of the situation. So instead of holding that trilogy, the 88-year-old promoter will instead focus on bringing Fury to the United States where he will likely face an unknown fighter. It will be a cheaper alternative to keep the Gypsy King in shape. But the first thing that needs to happen is for the travel ban to be lifted, World Boxing News reported.
Fury is currently in England. Unless travel restrictions are lifted or relaxed, Arum's plans are on hold for now. Once that is settled and the Gypsy King arrives, Arum will next focus on what fight Fury be in. No names have been mentioned for now with Arum preferring to move once current COVID-19 guidelines are lifted.
"First of all, the immediate problem is Fury is in England. There’s a travel ban. How do we get Fury over here to get ready for the fight, assuming we’re going to do the fight in the United States?" Arum said. "Second, you have to do that fight with a live gate. The live gate for the last fight, the second fight, the February fight, took in $17million."
Timing is essential if Fury is to return to the ring. But obviously, it won't make sense if the fight does not earn revenue. Fury and his would-be opponent are unlikely to fight for free. Aside from those, there is also the issue of where to stage it. With no one paying to watch the fight, the venue will also not earn.
As for Wilder, the extended time off could work for him. He took quite a beating in the second encounter from Fury and most believe he needs the rest now more than ever, Sports Illustrated reported.
Arum believes that the best time to stage the fight is either in November or December. However, there is no telling what situation the United States and the world will be in by that time. This shows why Arum is a bit apprehensive, knowing that he, boxers and boxing fans need to extend their patience before boxing returns to normal operations.
