TYSON FURY and Deontay Wilder are set to go to war for a third time.
The Gypsy King claimed a stunning TKO victory in Las Vegas as he inflicted the first defeat of Wilder's career at the MGM Grand on February 22.
With Anthony Joshua facing mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev in June, Wilder has been quick to take out the rematch clause which was included in the fight contract with Fury.
As such, the pair will again go toe-to-toe for the WBC crown – with a unification showdown against AJ surely the next step later this year.
Under the terms of the agreement, world champion Fury will take a 60/40 split of the purse for the rematch.
But UK fight fans may be disappointed that it's set to be another early morning start, with Wilder's promoter Bob Arum stating that the fight will '100 percent' be held on US soil.
When is Fury vs Wilder 3?
WILDER had 30 days to exercise his right to a rematch following his defeat in Vegas.
The Bronze Bomber has done that, with a provisional date for the bout now pencilled in.
Originally it look liked the pair would go to battle for a THIRD time on Saturday, July 18.
But following the coronavirus outbreak, a new date of October 3 reportedly been agreed by the two camps.
Finkel said: "We did exercise [the rematch clause]. We want to fight Fury next and we wanted to make sure we sent the letter and that it was done."
Is the fight still going ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak?
WITH a new date seemingly agreed in October, both fighters will be hopeful that something approaching reality has resumed by then.
Coronavirus has seen the sporting calendar decimated, with the Olympics, Euro 2020 and The Masters all cancelled.
Eddie Hearn – who promotes Fury's heavyweight rival Joshua – has said that he will not be letting his man fight Pulev in June if no spectators can attend.
He explained:"I cannot see how we can stage a fight behind closed doors with no crowd.
"Can you imagine Anthony Joshua walking to fight Kubrat Pulev in front of you and me and [Sky Sports head of boxing] Adam Smith? It's just not going to happen.
"The crowd are so integral to the dramatic aspect of the sport of boxing, and in terms of being a TV product. For me, it's very difficult to do it behind closed doors."
Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
THE fight will once again be a pay-per-view event in both the US and UK.
Details of pricing will be released at a later date, although BT Sport Box Office looks set to show all the action once again on these shores.
It cost £24.95 to purchase the evening's entertainment last time out.
While over in the USA, Fury vs Wilder 2 was shown to punters on ESPN and Fox Sports.
They will likely take the PPV again, with prices in the last fight set at a hefty $79.99.
Where will the fight be held?
FOLLOWING his epic win, Fury suggested the trilogy could be completed at the new NFL stadium being built for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The NFL franchise have moved from Oakland to Sin City in a controversial switch – and will play the 2020/21 season in the 65,000-seater Allegiant Stadium which is currently under construction.
But when announcing the provisional rematch date, it was revealed that the fighters are likely to once again do battle at the MGM Grand.
Wilder's promoter Bob Arum said: “Now we will sit down and go through all the details for the fight.
"One hundred percent Fury vs Wilder III will be in America.
“[July 18] is after the basketball play-offs, baseball is in the middle of the season and there's no American Football.
"The hotel, MGM Grand, also believes it to be an ideal time.
"MGM has been very good to us and the fight did extraordinarily well. It had a gate of close to $17million (£13m). They are already talking about raising the prices so that the gate would be over $20m (£15m)."
Who is fighting on the undercard?
AS yet, there is no confirmed undercard for this summer's showdown.
On the bill at Fury vs Wilder 2, Charles Martin beat Gerald Washington while Emanuel Navarrete dominated Jeo Santisima to take the WBO super-bantamweight crown.
This fight night will be viewed by millions on both sides of Atlantic, so expect another stellar supporting cast in July.
What they said
Deontay Wilder: "We ain’t going nowhere, for the war has just begun. I will rise again. I am strong. I am a king, you can’t take my pride.
"I am a warrior. I am a king that will never give up. I’m a king that will fight to the death.
"We will regain the title. I will be back. We will hold our heads up high. Your king is in great spirits. We will rise like a phoenix from the ashes and regain the title. I’ll see you in a few months, for the war has just begun. All my love to all my people."
Tyson Fury: "I look forward to the next fight.
"I was pretty p***** because I predicted [a knockout] in round two.
"I had nothing to hide, I said what I would do to him. I’ve never been the type of boxer to sit back.
"When I made the decision to leave Ben Davison, who did very well for me, people questioned that. But I did it for a reason and it’s worked out the best for me."
Eddie Hearn to Sky Sports News: "We’ve had numerous conversations with Bob Arum and Top Rank about making Tyson Fury against Anthony Joshua.
"We knew that when Wilder exercised that rematch clause that fight [against Fury] was going to take place.
"We understand he wants to win his belts back but the great thing is that fight will take place in July.
"We box in June so now our intention – and those conversations are now ongoing – is to finalise the Fury v AJ fight for December this year.
"There’s no reason why we can’t get that contracted now subject to both guys winning in the summer. The undisputed fight must happen in 2020."
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