Tyson Fury`s heavyweight unification fight with Anthony Joshua could be put on hold after an independent arbitrator ruled that the WBC heavyweight champion must face former champion Deontay Wilder in a rematch. Retired judge Daniel Weinstein upheld a claim lodged by Wilder that Fury must face him in a third fight by September 15 following their February 2020 title battle.

While the arbitrator`s ruling is not a formal court order, it would be deemed enforceable by courts if Wilder and Fury are unable to reach an agreement. Fury`s promoter Frank Warren told the BBC on Tuesday he hoped Wilder would, for a lucrative fee, agree to step aside and allow the bout to go ahead. "Until we can reach an accommodation with Deontay Wilder`s people, I can`t say that (Fury`s fight with Joshua) will definitely happen," said Warren.