Anthony Joshua Given 48 Hours To Resolve Fury-Wilder Issue By WBO
Anthony Joshua has been granted 48 hours to prove his fight against Tyson Fury for all the heavyweight belts can move forward.
On Sunday, ‘The Gypsy King’ announced he was set to square off against his British rival in Saudi Arabia on August 14.
Just one day later an arbitrator ruled that Fury must first fight Deontay Wilder on or before September 15.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ is reported to want $20 million to step aside and allow Fury the chance to unify the division against Joshua this summer.
Joshua’s WBO mandatory challenger, Oleksandr Usyk has been patiently waiting in the wings for his shot since moving up from cruiserweight, Usyk’s heavyweight title shot is now closer than ever.
See below for the full contents of the letter from the WBO to Eddie Hearn.
“Please be advised that on Monday, 17, 2021, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) was advised that the arbitrator presiding over Tyson Fury/Deontay Wilder rematch clause dispute rendered an “Award” granting Deontay Wilder injunctive relief and ordering Tyson Fury to participate in a rematch with Deontay Wilder on or before September 15, 2021, unless both parties agree to a further extension. The award issued by the arbitrator is binding and enforceable between the relevant parties.
“Conversely, as you are aware, on January 29, 2021, the WBO World Championship Committee ordered the commencement of the negotiations for the Interim Heavyweight Championship Contest between Usyk/Joyce to keep the division active and to seek the protection and safe guard the rights and interests of Usyk and the remaining WBO Heavyweight Contenders considering the potential Undisputed Heavyweight Championship bout between Joshua/Fury. Such ruling was subject to very specific conditions, including but not limited to the WBO Championship Committee’s right to issue any further ruling or determination deemed necessary, helpful, and convenient to shall not order the commencement of negotiations between Mandatory Challenger Oleksandr Usyk and WBO Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua immediately. Be advised that failure to comply with this order will constitute a waiver of all rights hereunder and with the Committee proceeding accordingly without a further summons and/or hearing.
“In closing, please do not hesitate to call the WBO offices if you have any further questions or concerns. establish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO Rules and Regulations. See, Amended Negotiation Letter Wherefore, considering the foregoing, and per this Committee’s right to issue any further ruling or determination per WBO rules and regulations, it is hereby ordered to “Show Cause” within the next 48 hours upon issuance of this order as to why the WBO World Championship Committee.”
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