Boxer Refutes Rumours About Allowing Fury vs Usyk Fight to Proceed
Anthony Joshua has strongly denied reports suggesting he is set to accept a £15 million offer to step aside, clearing the path for a Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk heavyweight title clash.
The Telegraph recently reported that Joshua was close to finalising the deal, which would enable Usyk and Fury to fight for the undisputed heavyweight title in April, likely in the Middle East. Despite these claims, Joshua, who invoked a rematch clause after his loss to Usyk, has stated no such agreement exists.
In a video shared online, Joshua addressed the speculation: “It’s crazy the interviews I’m seeing. People are quoting me saying I’ve accepted £15 million to step aside. I haven’t signed any contract or seen one. Until you hear it from me, ignore the nonsense. I control my destiny and handle my business smartly.”
Joshua emphasised his focus on making calculated decisions and urged fans not to believe unofficial sources.
Complications with Dillian Whyte’s Agreement
If a deal were to be arranged, it would also require the cooperation of Dillian Whyte, the mandatory challenger for Fury’s WBC belt. Negotiations with Whyte have been challenging, especially after the WBC mandated an 80:20 purse split in Fury’s favour. Talks have already been extended three times, with the current deadline set for Wednesday.
It remains unclear whether a resolution will be reached or if efforts will shift towards convincing Whyte to step aside, adding another layer of complexity to this high-stakes scenario in the heavyweight division.
