The trilogy fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder has been ordered by an arbitration panel.
Fury had knocked out Wilder last February to become WBC heavyweight world champion for a second time.
After the victory, the Brit was contracted to offer his rival a re-match but their scheduled July date was scrapped due to the coronavirus crisis.
However, the trilogy fight was pushed back to October before a further shift to December and was later postponed, prompting Fury to walk away.
He turned his attention to fellow world champion, Anthony Joshua, and their undisputed clash was scheduled for August 14, 2021, in Saudi Arabia.
But, Wilder disputed Fury’s right to walk away from his contract and took his grievances to arbitration with retired judge, Daniel Weinstein, examining the case.
Weinstein has now reported his findings and ordered a third fight, according to The Daily Star.
Reports say the news will come as a huge blow to British boxing fans, who were desperate to see Fury and Joshua do battle this summer.
Fury had appeared confident the clash would go ahead, announcing on Sunday that the deal was all but done.
In a video posted on social media he said: “I have got some massive news. I have just got off the phone with Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia and he told me this fight is 100% on, 14 August.”
Fury, the WBC champion, added: “All eyes of the world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I cannot wait, I repeat, cannot wait to smash Anthony Joshua on the biggest stage of all-time. This is going to be the biggest sporting event ever to grace the planet Earth. Do not miss it.”
Now, however, it appears the fight will at the very least be delayed, and may not even happen at all.