ANTHONY JOSHUA warned Eddie Hearn against approaching him about a step-aside deal for his showdown at Oleksandr Usyk.
Preliminary negotiations for AJ to allow Tyson Fury, the WBC king, to take on the newly-crowned unified heavyweight champion are in progress.
Anthony Joshua is set to face Oleksandr Usyk in the early part of next year
Hearn, however, has not yet brought a proposal to the Watford soldier. Hearn had a harsh message for his friend about delaying his chance at redemption.
Recently, the Matchroom Boxing chief stated to DAZN Boxing Show that he spoke with him yesterday and they had several approaches.
"No deep conversations, just thoughts about the concept.
"The idea is that Fury and Usyk will fight for undisputed, and you will fight the winner.
"Yesterday Anthony said that to me, "Just to warn you, regarding the step-aside. It's against all I believe in. I want to fight Oleksandr Uzyk.
"I trust that you will find a plan that not only offers me a great financial package but also allows me to get to know a new trainer before I enter a big fight for large amounts of money later in the year. If that sounds right for me, let me know.
"But he said that he was adamant, "Let me warn, when you do this, you are under threat because I don’t want you to do it. '"
Joshua, 32, was defeated by Usyk's southpaw in a narrow points loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 23rd.
The Olympic gold medallist is determined to exact revenge on the undefeated Ukrainian.
He recently suggested that he would be open to stepping aside from their second clash, which is planned for the spring, if he receives an offer that makes sense.
IFL TV interviewed him recently: "I think people don't know how to approach me with that rubbish." People don't approach me with that bull ****.
"It may have reached my team, but I believe they don't know how to bring it to me at the moment.
"At this stage in my career, it's not all about the money. It's about respect. It's important to see what I want from this game. Respect is number one. You don't need to like me, but you will respect my opinions.
"The second is to be remembered as a throwback fighter. Someone who was willing and able to fight the best of their division. So that people can see me when I walk down the street with my son, my cousin, and my nephews, they will recognize me as a fighter."
"In terms of stepping aside I don't know whether that is in line with what morally stand for... however, I want to be known among the smartest businessmen.
"I want to make smart decisions, and if money is right, we would have to consider it. But respect is more valuable than money.
"Will you take the step-aside cash? Is it a smart business move? Will it impact my reputation and my respect?
"Will my fight with the best fighters be possible?" These are the three things that I need to think about.
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