Deontay Wilder will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Tyson Fury on December 1 at a venue yet to be confirmed.
Both fighters confirmed the news in respective posts on their Instagram accounts as Wilder prepares for the most high profile fight of his career while Fury attempts to reclaim his world heavyweight title after mounting a comeback following a 30 month absence from the sport.
WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title against lineal champion Tyson Fury in a blockbuster matchup of undefeated heavyweights Saturday, December 1 live on pay-per-view.
— Boxing Insider Promotions (@BoxingInsider) September 21, 2018
Al Haymon boxing also confirmed the fight in a statement:
“WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title against lineal champion Tyson Fury in a blockbuster matchup of undefeated heavyweights on Saturday, December 1 live on Pay-Per-View,” Haymon boxing said.
“The contracts have been signed and the promotional tour will kick-off in London on October 1. It continues with stops in New York City and Los Angeles.”
ESPN report that the fight will take place either at the Staples Center in Los Angeles or at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Wilder said in a video posted to his Instagram account that he just defeated one of the best heavyweights in the world in Luis Ortiz earlier this year and that he’s now coming for the next best fighter in the division.
“Just signed my portion of the contract of the Wilder versus Fury fight. It is officially on, ladies and gentlemen. This fight is definitely on and I can’t wait, man.
“It’s going to be an exciting fight; it’s going to be an explosive fight. It’s going to be one for the legacy, definitely one for my legacy. You got the WBC heavyweight champion of the world versus the lineal champion.
“It’s going to be a pleasure: the two best heavyweights competing against each other. The best fighting the best, giving the people what they want, and this is what we’re doing.
“I just beat, in my opinion, one of the best heavyweights in Luis Ortiz [by 10th-round knockout on March 3], and now I’m going for the next best in the heavyweight division.”
Meanwhile Fury said in a video on his own Instagram account that Wilder does not want to win like he does and that he will force the undefeated American to quit.
“Well, shit just got serious. I just signed my end of the deal and the contract for the Wilder fight. It’s signed, sealed and delivered,” Fury said.
“Deontay Wilder, you’re going to get it, mate. You’re in big trouble. I’ve never met a man I couldn’t beat in a boxing ring or outside it.
“I know you’ve got a big punch, I know you’re big, I know you’ve got a big mouth and I know you want to win but you don’t want it like I do. You can’t beat me. I will out-heart you. I will force my will upon you until you quit. I promise.”
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Shit just got serious,! @bronzebomber @btsport @showtimeboxing @frank_warren_official @mtkglobal
