Arbitrator rules Tyson Fury must grant Deontay Wilder rematch by Sept. 15, Anthony Joshua fight in jeopardy

The situation between Fury and Wilder could derail the plans for Fury vs. Anthony Joshua in August

Tyson Fury thought he'd put the saga with Deontay Wilder behind him when a third fight between the two failed to materialize through the second half of 2020. On Monday, an arbitrator ruled Fury has until Sept. 15 to grant Wilder his contractually guaranteed rematch. The news coming just days after Fury said his long awaited battle with Anthony Joshua to unify the four recognized heavyweight world titles was set for Aug. 14 in Saudi Arabia. The news, first reported by Chris McKenna and confirmed by Mike Coppinger, puts one of the most anticipated fights of the era in jeopardy. Top Rank's Bob Arum called the decision "preposterous" in speaking with Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix. Arum said that the plan is to go forward with the Joshua fight in August and to sell Wilder on facing the winner in November or December.  Fury dominated Wilder in their February 2020 rematch after the two battled to a draw in December 2018. After Wilder was knocked down multiple times, the fight was stopped in the seventh round, securing Fury the WBC heavyweight title. After the loss, Wilder blamed the elaborate costume he wore to the ring for burning his legs out before the fight even began. He then switched his focus to claims that his cornerman, Mark Breland, who threw in the towel had fixed the fight and accused Fury of doctoring his gloves.