Fury's promoter Arum insists Wilder rematch can happen on ESPN PPV because American is a 'free agent'

TYSON FURY'S promoter Bob Arum insists rematch with Deontay Wilder can happen on ESPN PPV because the American is a "free agent."

The eagerly-anticipated bout was thrown into doubt this week when the Gypsy King announced his new £80million contract with Top Rank.


The US company have a TV deal with ESPN, who will exclusively show Fury's fights in America, while Wilder fights on broadcaster Showtime.

However, Arum revealed he wants to negotiate a deal with the WBC champion because he does not believe the network has any contractual hold on Wilder or the rematch.

Speaking to ESPN, he said: "We want to speak to Wilder together with his manager and his adviser and we want to do this fight where it belongs, on a big platform, which is ESPN pay-per-view.

"Wilder himself said (in media interviews) there is no contractual impediment that would prevent it. None. He is not signed in any manner, shape or form to any network.


"We have been informed that it is not the case (that Showtime has an option on the rematch).

"Ultimately, that may not be the case but I really believe from what we learned that Wilder is telling the truth and he is not bound to any network for any fight.

"We're going to reach out and say contact us, please, and bring whomever you want to a meeting, your manager Finkel, your adviser Haymon, your trainer (Jay Deas, also a co-manager).

"Bring any and all of them to a meeting with us and let's sit down and put this together."

The Bronze Bomber had claimed the row over broadcasting rights will make a rematch with Fury even better before hinting that he could face British star Dillian Whyte next.

Showtime, who produced the split-decision draw in December, revealed they were confident in continuing to cover Wilder's fights.

President Stephen Espinoza said: "I'm not going to get into specifics about Showtime's contractual rights and entitlements but I will say we are very confident and very comfortable with our position with Deontay.

"We've worked with Deontay and supported Deontay for many, many years and many, many fights and we fully expect for that to continue for the foreseeable future."

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Many fans thought a sticking point in negotiations would be Arum's bitter rivalry with Wilder's representatives Al Haymon and Shelly Finkel.

However, Arum added: "The idea that we wouldn't do business with Finkel or Haymon is absurd. We want to do this fight and we want to do it sensibly and correctly.

"We're ready to put up all the money to do the fight. If it can't happen it can't happen, but it's Wilder's choice subject to advice from his manager and adviser.

"The one thing we want to make clear is there is no impediment to doing business with Wilder no matter who his manager is, no matter who his adviser is. We're happy to deal with them.

"Wilder is going to have to decide what he wants to do in consultation with Finkel and Haymon."

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