By Ryan Burton
Earlier this month Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez was at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction for Shane Mosley, Laila Ali and others. The ceremony took place at Caesar's Palace on the Las Vegas strip.
While on the red carpet, Cortez spoke on a variety of topics including the potential future match up pitting WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder against lineal champion Tyson Fury.
An announcement for the fight appears to be imminent and a date in November or early December is being targeted for the fight.
With a fight between Wilder and WBA/WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua being tabled for the time being, Wilder-Fury is the biggest fight that can we be made in the division.
Fury recently returned from a two-and-half year hiatus from the ring due to a drug suspension and other personal issues. He has gone 2-0 since his return but he hasn't faced elite competition.
That is one of the main reasons why Cortez believes that Wilder has to be favored in the fight.
"Deontay Wilder has been active. He is a hard puncher and undefeated. Only one fighter has gone the distance and that was Bermane (Stiverne) and he knocked him out in the rematch," Cortez told BoxingScene.com.
"Tyson Fury has admitted himself that he has had some issues the past few years with drugs and alcohol and hasn't really been that active the past three years. Right now he feels great but when he gets in there with a fighter like Wilder who is so tough and been so active, you have to go with Wilder. We will see what happens. [Fury] is on the right track. You have to give him a second chance. I believe in second chances and I hope he does well in boxing."
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