No face-off at Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder weigh-in, Bob Arum reveals
Wilder and Fury will fight for a third time on Saturday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Heavyweight fighters Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will not face off at their weigh-in as it “dehumanises” them, according to promoter Bob Arum.
Fury and Wilder will compete in their trilogy fight on Saturday where the British star will defend his WBC belt. The face off also didn’t take place at the pair’s press conference on Wednesday where Fury got under Wilder’s skin.
Arum told the BBC: “The fighters will not face off, both promotional companies agree... I really object to taking these fighters and making them like pitdogs, facing each other, what does that mean?
“We are always looking for trouble, why are we doing that? Do you see in professional American Football the two quarterbacks face off? They are not animals, they are sportsmen. I think they are unnecessary, it dehumanises the fighters and I don’t think its good for the sport.”
The press conference became heated after Fury pushed the American’s buttons, labelling him weak.
“Deep down in his soul, he knows that he lost and he’ll lose again. After this fight he’ll be back working in that fast food chain that he was working at earlier on in his career. It’s retirement for him,” the Brit said.
“You’re in denial and you’re getting knocked out. Do yourself a favour and retire, your legacy’s in bits, all the excuses, you’ve been destroyed. No one’s even believed you, everyone’s laughing at you. You’re a weak man.”
And Wilder retorted that he looks forward to Saturday’s battle as he has everything to gain.
“There’s no pressure on me. When you have nothing to lose there’s no pressure at all. All the pressure is on him. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“Prepare yourself on the battlefield and get ready for war because this is going to be an amazing fight. As you see, I’m wearing my red outfit so I want to beckon blood and I’m looking forward to it.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments