Eddie Hearn’s recent comments on the Anthony Joshua step aside saga are perhaps the strongest suggestion yet that a deal is there to be made.
Speculation that Joshua could forego his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in order to enable Tyson Fury to fight the Ukrainian, in a bout which would crown an undisputed champion of the heavyweight division, has intensified over the past fortnight.
All parties have confirmed that negotiations are underway as this avenue is explored, with Eddie Hearn now strongly insinuating that they would entertain the possibility of stepping aside, were the terms right from their perspective.
Eddie Hearn on possible Anthony Joshua step-aside: “There is a smart play here somewhere, but AJ’s not about the money. If the plan makes sense – work with a new trainer, maybe have a fight first, go into a much bigger fight – yeah, I can see the sense in it.” [@DAZNBoxing Show]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 26, 2022
MORE: (Video) Anthony Joshua sends message to fans amid reports £15m step aside deal is close
That may not just be about money, rather Joshua having a guaranteed shot at the undisputed world champion, while also having a warm-up fight rather than diving straight back into the ring against Usyk, who schooled him in September.
You can understand why some AJ fans would not want to see him take the step aside money, but as Hearn says, there is probably a ‘smart play’ here that could benefit them both financially and competitively.
