Co-Main, PPV Undercard Set For Wilder-Fury II
On Thursday, the fights supplementing Tyson Fury’s second chance at Deontay Wilder and the WBC world heavyweight title were announced for February 22nd.
The fights airing on the Pay-Per-View portion of the card from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas includes former world heavyweight champion Charles Martin in the co-main event.
Martin will face off against Gerald Washington as the two heavyweights battle to be the mandatory challenger to Anthony Joshua’s IBF crown.
“It is great to be back on the big stage,” said Martin who was last seen defating Daniel Martz this past July.
“Wilder vs. Fury II is the biggest heavyweight fight in a long time and it’s great to be on the PPV. February 22 will get me one step closer to my goal of becoming two-time heavyweight champion. Gerald Washington is standing in my way, so it’s my job to go right through him toward my ultimate goal.”
“This title eliminator is a very big opportunity for me and I’m going to do everything in my power to win on February 22,” said Washington. “I have the right team behind me and the right mindset. I’ve known Martin my whole career and we even spent some time working together in the ring. I’m going to be at my best and I expect the same from him. It’s an honor to be a part of an event like this. Deontay and Tyson are both characters and I’m glad I can be a part of what’s going to be a great night of boxing on February 22.”
The only other title fight on the ESPN+/FOX Sports co-produced venture will see WBO junior featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete put his crown on the line against Jeo Santisima of the Philipines.
“I am motivated to make my fifth defense in less than a year and especially because I’m proud to be part of a historic card headlined by Wilder vs. Fury II,” said Navarrete. “This is a great opportunity to put on an exhibition for the fans and showcase my talent once again. I’m very grateful to my promoters, Bob Arum and Fernando Beltran, for giving me these opportunities.”
“I really appreciate this opportunity, as this has been my dream since I was a kid,” said Santisima. “For this fight, I will train and prepare to become the new champion. I don’t feel any pressure. I will just do my best on fight night to show the world who I am. I heard and read the news that this fight is a mismatch, but I will do my best to give a great fight.”
Opening the broadcast will see Sebastian Fundora and Daniel Lewis in a 10-round battle of undefeated super welterweights.