Joshua To Step Down For Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua has stated that he would consider stepping aside to let Oleksandr Usyk to face Tyson Fury, the unified heavyweight world champion.

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, Joshua will fight Usyk again next April.

Fury, on the other hand, has asked his countryman to step aside so that he and Usyk may fight for the undisputed heavyweight title.

Joshua is adamant on getting his revenge – having told his promoter Eddie Hearn to thrash out terms with Usyk. However, he has admitted he would be open to stepping aside if it made sense financially.

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Speaking to iFL, Joshua said, “I think people know not to approach me with that rubbish. People know not to approach me with that bulls***.

“It may have come to my team but I think they know 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.

“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.”