Joshua will consider step-aside offer for Usyk/Fury fight
Britain’s former unified champion activated the rematch clause after surrendering his titles to Usyk back in September.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is currently targeting a spring showdown between the pair next year, but doubts over the fight have emerged after Usyk’s camp expressed an interest in fighting Fury for all the heavyweight marbles.
Anthony Joshua will consider a step-aside offer from Oleksandr Usyk’s camp to allow the Ukrainian to fight Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship, reports express.co.uk.
Fury, who holds the WBC and Ring Magazine belts, is expected to face his mandatory challenger, Dillian Whyte, next, though a fight for the undisputed championship could take precedence if an agreement can be made.
Talks are not even in their infancy yet for that fight to happen with Express Sports learning that no step-aside offer has been made to Joshua.
However, Joshua’s camp has made it clear that they will consider an offer if one is put forth to them.
A source in Joshua’s camp told Express Sport: “AJ is a boxer who does smart business, but it’s not dependant on finances.
“It is more dependant on how things could pan out for us. But we’ve not received any offers yet.
“Yes we would consider one, we’re not a closed book and we’ll never be a closed book, but right now we’re planning for the rematch.
“Tell Usyk’s promoter to focus on the rematch.
“We’ll listen to the offer if one is made and we will put our recommendations and suggestions to Joshua – as will Eddie Hearn – and then make the best decision for Anthony.”
It is likely that Joshua would command a right to face the winner of Usyk and Fury’s prospective fight for a deal to be possible.
Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk revealed the unified champion is open to fighting Fury next instead ‘if the offer is right and is confident they can satisfy Joshua’s financial demands.
The undefeated pound-for-pound star produced a boxing masterclass to wrench away Joshua’s titles earlier this year and could get the opportunity to become the first man since Lennox Lewis in the early 2000s to be crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion if he defeats Fury next.
Fury’s promoter, Bob Arum, insisted this week that Whyte was the Gypsy King’s ‘logical’ next fight, but previously admitted his preference would be a showdown with Usyk.
Speaking last month, the legendary promoter said: “If Joshua decides not to exercise his rematch against Usyk and decides to step aside, the fight we would like to make is between Usyk and Fury.
“Then Joshua can fight the winner of the undisputed fight.
“That’s what Tyson would like. And I represent Tyson. That is his preference.” IGWE C./The Guardian
