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Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in doubt as ‘pessimistic’ Bob Arum claims Gypsy King could fight Deontay Wilder instead

TYSON FURY could fight Deontay Wilder as promoter Bob Arum revealed he is ‘pessimistic’ about the unification with Anthony Joshua.

Fury and Joshua signed for a proposed undisputed title decider in March with their opposing camps left to negotiate a date and venue.

Tyson Fury’s promoter has cast doubt on the unification with Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua is still in talks to fight Tyson Fury
Deontay Wilder pictured in training with Malik Scott

AJ’s backer Eddie Hearn has said both fighters have agreed on a site, with three potential days to choose from.

But veteran matchmaker Arum has now claimed Hearn is not responding with details on the offers.

And it could lead to Fury facing Wilder in a trilogy bout and Joshua fighting WBO mandatory Oleksandr Usyk.

Arum told BoxingScene: “Maybe we’ll breathe some life into Wilder, and Fury will fight Wilder and Joshua will fight Usyk.

“Eddie Hearn is busy trying to sell the London Bridge.

“Let me tell you – last time I talked to Eddie was early last week and he said he was going to have a signed agreement from the Saudis in 24 hours.

“Well, he’s a little late. Wouldn’t you be pessimistic if you haven’t heard from him or anybody for a week?

“We’re the promoter with Frank (Warren) of Fury and we haven’t heard from Eddie in a week.”

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Hearn has maintained contracts are being exchanged with camps recently going through a fourth draft.

But Arum has said the deal is not binding, preventing the fight from being made official.

He explained: “We got a document and they said it wasn’t binding. We said it has to be binding and we haven’t heard back from them.

“It says in (the paperwork) it this is not a binding agreement.

“Eddie sent me the draft but it was not a binding agreement and it was supposed to be turned into a binding agreement in 24 hours and Frank and I haven’t spoken to Eddie since.

“He’s gone radio silent.”

Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are believed to have given the green-light for a Battle of Britain in Saudi Arabia, worth £54million each.

Promoter Eddie Hearn with Anthony Joshua

Promoter Bob Arum pictured with Tyson Fury

But this is all while Wilder, 35, disputes his right to a third fight with the Gypsy King.

He was dethroned of the WBC belt in February 2020 and an immediate rematch was included in the contract.

But it was argued the stipulation expired in October, allowing for Fury to move on and enter talks to fight AJ.

Wilder has since taken the case to court with an arbitration period still ongoing.

Arum said: “The arbitration is going on but it’s just a waste of time and money.”

Wilder has returned to training, recently pictured with Malik Scott, but Fury has already revealed his distain towards the American.

It followed after the Bronze Bomber accused Fury of cheating with several baseless theories, including loading his gloves with weights.

Deontay Wilder was beaten by Tyson Fury in February 2020

The Gypsy King has put his faith his legal team to resolve his dispute with Wilder and blasted his dishonourable former opponent.

Fury told Behind The Gloves, Fury said: “There is still stuff going on behind the scenes that I cannot talk about.

“I don’t know what’s going on, I pay lawyers millions of dollars to sort s*** out but I am sure they will.

“Everything he said, it was hurtful and resentful, it was not something I would ever say without evidence.

“It was disrespectful and as a former champion and warrior he has let himself down.

“He has made a million excuses and then accused me of cheating which would have belittled my victory over him.

“If I had said any of this, there would have been a big problem but to me it is all sticks and stones.”