UPDATE (March 2, 2020): Wilder has officially exercised to his rematch clause for a third title fight with Tyson Fury. The fight is projected to take place on July 18, 2020 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is also being reported that Wilder will retain his trainer, Mark Breland, for his next fight.
Former WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder will reportedly exercise his rematch clause and opt in for an immediate fight with Lineal Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury. Previously, Wilder and Fury fought in 2018 and the bout resulted in a draw. More recently, the two reconvened over the weekend in Las Vegas. Ultimately, Fury handed Wilder the first loss of his professional career by way of seventh round knockout.
Following the fight, The Athletic‘s Senior Boxing Writer Lance Pugmire added context regarding Wilder’s head space following his first professional defeat. He explained that Wilder felt “his legs were weakened by his 45-pound costume he wore to the ring to honor Black History Month.” Also, there have been reports that Wilder expressed discontent with his corner for throwing in the towel.
Full story coming to @TheAthleticBOX shortly: Deontay Wilder @BronzeBomber tells me he is definitely exercising his rematch clause for a summer trilogy against @Tyson_Fury, that his legs were weakened by his 45-pound costume he wore to the ring to honor Black History Month.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) February 24, 2020
“I’ve told them many times that if anyone throws the towel in on me, there will be consequences,” Wilder stated.
Specifically, the Alabama native has expressed that he may cut ties with assistant trainer Mark Breland. The former Olympian decided to throw in the towel after Wilder’s lead trainer, Jay Deas, told him not to.
More details regarding the date of the fight and locations have yet to be revealed.
