Tyson Fury has been ordered to fight Deontay Wilder again, with reports saying this casts huge doubt over the proposed bout with Anthony Joshua later this year.
Fury, 32, beat Wilder, 35, in a February 2020 rematch following an initial draw - in turn winning the WBC world heavyweight title from the Bronze Bomber.
They were due to fight again in July that year, but plans were delayed due to the pandemic and the contest was postponed.
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Fury then refused the new date put forward by Wilder's team, saying he would move on.
However, in an arbitration hearing on Monday (17 May) a US judge ruled that Fury must take on Wilder instead, as per the contract.
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The judge ruled in mediation that Wilder has a right to face Fury for a third time, at some point before 15 September.
After facing delays, Wilder's team wanted to move the bout to 2021, but Fury refused and said he would move on instead.
At this point, point American judge Daniel Weinstein stepped in, having now sided with Wilder.
According to the BBC, this casts 'doubt' over Fury's proposed super bout with fellow Brit Joshua, which is due to take place on 14 August in Saudi Arabia.
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However, there is a chance Fury could cough up a hefty sum to sidestep the fight with Wilder and clash with Joshua instead.
The BBC reports: "The mediation outcome does not necessarily mean a Fury-Joshua fight cannot take place in August but fresh deals will now need to be struck for it to do so.
"That could mean Wilder being offered money to allow Fury-Joshua to take place."
The BBC adds that Saudi authorities are reportedly putting forward around £106 million just to stage the proposed contest.
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The day before Monday's arbitration hearing, Fury vowed to 'smash Anthony Joshua on the biggest stage of all time'.
The duo would be making history as they contest all four world heavyweight titles for the first time in the sport's history.
In a video posted on social media on Sunday evening, Fury said: "I have got some massive news. I have just got off the phone with Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia and he told me this fight is 100 per cent on, August 14.
"All eyes of the world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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"I cannot wait, I repeat, cannot wait to smash Anthony Joshua on the biggest stage of all time.
"This is going to be the biggest sporting event ever to grace the planet Earth. Do not miss it."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: SPORT, Tyson Fury, News, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Deontay Wilder