The third fight in Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight rivalry has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Britain’s Fury, who dethroned unbeaten WBC champion Wilder with a dominant victory in seven rounds last month, had been due to defend his crown in Las Vegas on July 18.
But promoter, Bob Arum told ESPN on Tuesday that the rematch has now been postponed until October.
With travel restrictions affecting both the US and Britain, and Las Vegas’ casinos shuttered, Arum said a postponement was the only sensible option.
“You could not guarantee the fighters that the event would take place on that date. We couldn’t convince them or ourselves,” Arum said.
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He added: “Where were they going to train for it? It just made no sense. You just have to take a step back. How are you going to sell tickets?
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said for the first time on Monday that the Tokyo Olympic Games may be postponed if the event cannot be held in its “complete form” due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Sunday after an emergency meeting that it is stepping up its “scenario planning” for the 2020 Games due to start on July 24, including a possible postponement.