Tyson Fury confirms talks are in place for heavyweight fight against Deontay Wilder
Frank Warren joined talkSPORT to reveal he and Fury were targeting the end of the year for a fight against Wilder after Francesco Pianeta in August
Tyson Fury v Deontay Wilder could happen as early as December, the heavyweight has confirmed.
Fury faces Francesco Pianeta on 18 August in only his second comeback fight after a two-and-a-half year absence from the ring.
But rather than challenge one of Dereck Chisora or Dillian Whye, who both registered wins against Carlos Takam and Joseph Parker respectively, in a third comeback clash before facing a bigger target, Warren and his charge are gunning straight for Wilder.
“Well, actually they’re two competitive and very good fighters but, with due respect to them, we’re actually trying to make the fight with Deontay Wilder,” Warren told talkSPORT exclusively.
“First of all we want to see what he looks like on the August 18. Hopefully he will come through it well, but reports from the gym are that he’s looking well.
“Tyson, as he’s said himself, has been talking about Wilder in the last few weeks and it’s a fight I think the British fans would like to see.
“It wouldn’t happen in the autumn, if it happens it will be sometime in November or December.”
It is an ambitious effort and one that took talkSPORT co-host and former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew by surprise.
“Not a chance. You cannot go from Pianeta to Deontay Wilder. It’s just not possible,” an astonished Bellew said.
It had been thought the Wilder and Anthony Joshua were working on arranging a fight, however on Twitter, Fury released the following video.
“I can confirm that me and Deontay Wilder are in negotitations, which is very close to being done. Frank told you all on talkSPORT this morning,” he said.
“Negotiations are very strong for December and we’re almost done with this deal, but I won’t be looking over Francesco Pianeta.
“He’s going to give me the right fight to prepare me for Deontay Wilder. Got to flatten him first and then Wilder, let’s dance.
“You’ve been dealing with s***houses in the past with [promoter] Eddie Hearn and Joshua, but I am a man of my word and if I say I’ll fight, I’ll fight you. End of.
“Prepare well, train hard and let’s get the deal done. I’m going to knock Francesco Pienata into next week and then I’m going to knock you spark out, too. Good luck.”
