British professional boxer, Anthony Joshua, has said he is looking at stepping down to let Oleksandr Usyk fight Tyson Fury.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn had told reporters earlier that AJ and his Ukrainian title rival, Oleksandr Usyk may have another face-off in early 2022.
According to Hearn, the two fighters may likely have a rematch between the end of March or early April next year.
Naija News understands that AJ and Usyk had an encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium two months ago and Usyk unanimously claimed the WBA, WBO and IBF belts from his opponent.
However, reports emerging today has it that AJ has admitted he would be open to stepping aside if it made sense financially.
Joshua will fight Usyk for a second time next spring after losing his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts on a unanimous points decision in front of a sell-out crowd at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September.
Fury, however, is said to have called for his fellow countryman to step aside to allow an undisputed heavyweight title fight to take place between himself and Usyk.
Speaking to iFL in an interview during the weekend Joshua said, “I think people know not to approach me with that rubbish. People know not to approach me with that bullshit.
“It may have come to my team but I think they know it not to bring to me at the minute.
“At this stage of my career it’s not about the money, it’s about the respect. You’ve got to look at what I want out of this game; number one is respect, you don’t have to like me but you will respect me.”
He added: “The second is to go down as a throwback fighter, someone who was willing to fight the best in their division so that when I walk the streets with my son, my cousin and my nephews, people will know I’m a real fighter.
“In terms of stepping aside, I don’t know if that goes in line with what a morally stand for… but I want to be known as one of the smartest businessmen as well.
“I want to make the smart decisions and if the money is right we would have to look at it but respect has more value than money.
“Will I take the step-aside money? If it’s a smart business move… will it affect my reputation and respect? Will I still get to fight the best fighters? Those are the three things I have to consider.”
