By Jake Donovan
Deontay Wilder is so determined to finalize plans for a rematch with Tyson Fury, that he won’t allow any development to serve as a roadblock.
Even if it means fighting outside of a platform he’s proudly represented since its inception.
From the moment their memorable 12-round heavyweight title fight at Los Angeles’ famed Staples Center ended in a stalemate last December, the two sides immediately began discussing plans for a desired rematch. Insider indications suggested talks were far enough along to where an official announcement was forthcoming.
Those plans obviously hit a wrong turn upon the news of Fury and promoter Frank Warren entering a lucrative co-promotional deal with Top Rank and ESPN. For the duration of his title reign, Wilder (40-0-1, 39KOs) has only fought with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)-affiliated outlets Showtime, Fox and NBC.
Showtime produced and distributed Wilder-Fury through its Pay-Per-View arm, selling more than 300,000 units in what was the first PPV headliner for either boxer.
Monday’s announcement of Fury aligning himself with ESPN and United Kingdom’s BT Sport—both of with whom Warren enjoys long-term deals—potentially muddies the waters, particularly if the PBC brass remains intent on controlling the promotion.
The upside to more competitors getting involved is the potential for a bidding war, which of course would mean more money for all parties involved.
“For me, I think it’s a great thing,” Wilder suggested during a recent podcast interview with Tha Boxing Voice. “I don’t think it’s a bad thing; it’s a good thing….it don’t hurt the fight. If anything, it hurts the other competition, you know, with (unbeaten, unified heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua, with Fury signing with ESPN and (Joshua is) with DAZN.”
Wilder and Joshua have long managed to circle one another, with talks never advancing beyond posturing despite both having been aligned with Showtime at the same time during a two-year period. Once Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn let their network contract expire and help launch DAZN USA, Wilder and his team focused on his own next big adventure, which led to his agreeing to a showdown with Fury last December.
Eight of Wilder’s last 12 fights have aired live on Showtime (including the Fury fight on Showtime PPV), with three more coming on Fox and NBC through exclusive time-buy deals with PBC. His loyalty to the platform undoubtedly stems from his career-long alignment with adviser Al Haymon.
At the same time, it apparently won’t stand in the way of his pursuit of a Fury rematch.
“Of course, it’s always where the money is that’s gonna make the fight right,” insists Wilder, who further dismisses any such platform limitations. “I’m a (network) free agent; I can fight anyone. I just don’t have to necessarily fight on the networks that I’m on. I can fight anywhere. That’s what so great about me.
“(Fury signing with ESPN/BT Sport) don’t really affect me. If he wants to fight (the rematch), then he’s gonna fight. If not, then we move on to the next one. We have enough guys in the (PBC) stable that we can fight for the next two years… the great thing is, I can maneuver around and do whatever I want. The rematch is still on the table for him. If he wants it, he wants it. If not, then may God be with him.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
