Joshua will not get unification bout until 2021 as Wilder triggers rematch clause with Fury

ANTHONY Joshua is likely going to have to wait until next year before he gets a heavyweight unification bout because dethroned world champion Deontay Wilder has triggered a rematch clause he has with the man who beat him Tyson Fury.

Last month, Fury claimed the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title from Wilder, 14 months after the two fought to a dramatic split-decision draw in their first meeting in Los Angeles. However, in line with the provisions of their contract, Wilder has triggered the rematch clause and the two fighters are now due to clash again un July in Las Vegas.

It is believed that the rematch will now take place on July 18 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. With Antony Joshua himself having to deal with two mandatory defences this year, with the first being a fight against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in June 20, any unification bout can now only take place in 2021 that will see him face the winner of the Wilder/Fury rematch.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum, said: “We received a letter from Wilder’s team on Friday night and we agreed with the networks and the hotel that July 18 was the optimal date. We had a seamless promotion last time with Al Haymon, Premier Boxing Champions and Fox, so we look forward to working with them again.”

Joshua currently holds the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organisation and International Boxing Organisation belts. With fellow Briton Fury holding the WBC title, there is a huge global clamour for a unification fight to make one person the undisputed world heavyweight champion.