Tyson Fury says deal ‘very close to being done’ with world champion Deontay Wilder
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, who has fought just once since defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, says a showdown with undefeated American Deontay Wilder is at an advanced stage of discussions.
Fury, 29, looked somewhat labored in his comeback fight, a fourth-round retirement of Sefer Seferi in June, in what was his first bout since the famous Klitchsko fight, which was awarded the title of ‘upset of the year’ by Ring Magazine.
The Brit’s comeback continues on August 18 against Italian Francesco Pianeta at Northern Ireland’s Windsor Park, and if he comes through that unscathed, the focus will switch to the 40-0 WBC title holder Wilder later this year.
"I can confirm that me and Deontay Wilder are in negotiations and it's very close to being done,” Fury said via the Manchester Evening News.
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“It's out there now and I can reveal that negotiations are very strong for December and we're almost done with this deal. I won't be overlooking Francesco Pianeta. He's going to give me the right fight and the right work to prepare me for Wilder."
The winner of the potential Fury versus Wilder showdown would be in line for a heavyweight title unification match with British champion Anthony Joshua - but for Fury, it’s very much first things first.
“I'm going to flatten [Pianeta] first and then Wilder, let's dance. You've been dealing with Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua but I am a man of my word and if I say I'll fight you, I'll fight you.
"Prepare well, train hard and let's get the deal done. I will knock Pianeta into next week and then I'll knock you spark out too."
