Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 could be AXED after pandemic with eye on Anthony Joshua bout, warns Barry Hearn

BARRY HEARN has cast doubt over Tyson Fury fighting Deontay Wilder for a third time – as he does not believe the trilogy can be funded. Fury devastated Wilder in February to win the WBC belt but an immediate rematch was included in the contract. But veteran promoter Hearn believes the money promised for the […]

BARRY HEARN has cast doubt over Tyson Fury fighting Deontay Wilder for a third time – as he does not believe the trilogy can be funded.

Fury devastated Wilder in February to win the WBC belt but an immediate rematch was included in the contract.

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But veteran promoter Hearn believes the money promised for the third fight is impossible to achieve following the financial losses amid the coronavirus.

Leaving him to predict the fight will either collapse or both heavyweights will be forced to take a pay cut.

Hearn, 71, told talkSPORT: “I can’t see Tyson Fury fighting Deontay Wilder. The reason being, this is all pre-Covid don’t forget, they’ve lost a fortune promoting Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in the past.

“They’ve now given them a new deal where they’ve got to fight again.

“That was based on values of 12 months ago when, in boxing, there was a lot of money out there and everyone was going crazy and spending big purses.

“I don’t think the people involved can actually afford to do Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder on the original terms that were set out, in today’s world.

“If that’s the case, the fighters have got two choices. One, not to fight, or two, to take much reduced fight purses.”

To avoid fighting behind closed doors and salvaging ticket sales, Fury could face Wilder abroad, before then hoping to set up a historic undisputed title decider against Anthony Joshua.

Fury has verbally agreed to face British rival and unified champion AJ twice next year.

But the Battle of Britain relies on Fury beating Wilder again and WBA, IBF and WBO boss AJ getting past mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.