Is Tyson Fury vs Zhilei Zhang Now In Doubt?

Just days ago Bob Arum dropped a bombshell that Tyson Fury vs Zhilei Zhang may be taking place next after Zhilei’a shock stoppage win over Joe Joyce last month. But, has Joe Joyce now thrown that fight into doubt?

Bob Arum, Tyson Fury’s American promoter, recently disclosed in an interview with Ringside Reporter Live that he is working on finalizing negotiations for an upcoming heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Chinese fighter Zhilei Zhang. Dismissing the possibility of Andy Ruiz as Fury’s next opponent, Arum confirmed that 40-year-old Zhang, who defeated Joe Joyce, is the top contender. The fight is tentatively scheduled for July, with the aim of concluding discussions over the weekend.

Joe Joyce Activates His Rematch Clause

Recent tweets, however, suggest that Joe Joyce has invoked the rematch clause included in his initial fight agreement with Zhang, casting doubt on the prospect of Tyson Fury facing Zhang next.

For Zhang to be available to fight Fury, it is believed that Joe Joyce would need to consent to “step aside” and forgo his priority of securing a rematch. This may involve offering Joyce some form of compensation for allowing the Fury-Zhang fight to take place.

Heavyweight Showdown In Saudi Arabia

Also in his interview, Bob Arum spoke on the increasing interest in the high-profile boxing event in Saudi Arabia later this year. The event could possibly showcase a unification bout between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, while Deontay Wilder is set to face Anthony Joshua.

Arum confirmed ongoing negotiations with a liaison from Skill Challenge Entertainment, the entity in charge of coordinating boxing events in Saudi Arabia. And that further information on this may be available in the coming months.

By NoSmokeSport

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