Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder denied face-off at trilogy press conference

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: October 6 2021 | 23:57

Last updated: October 7 2021 | 19:03

Fury, Wilder denied face-off at trilogy press conference

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder were denied the opportunity to formally face-off at the press conference ahead of their WBC heavyweight title clash in Las Vegas.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum stepped in to forbid a face-off between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.

More than 18 months since Fury dethroned the long-time belt holder, the pair will do battle for a third time on Saturday in Las Vegas.

The pre-bout press conference was held on Wednesday and the duo eventually traded verbal blows as Wilder continued to accuse Fury of cheating during the last fight.

Kate Abdo, who was the MC at the on-stage event, invited Fury and Wilder to participate in a face-off in a bid to end the trash talk.

However, Arum furiously stepped in off-stage, immediately rejecting the opportunity for the two fighters to move within touching distance of each other.

Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that Dillian Whyte would be mandated to face the winner, providing that he can defeat Otto Watlin later this month.