Bob Arum revealed that TYSON FURY could face Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia for the undisputed heavyweight title.
As Anthony Joshua was preparing to face the Ukrainian, a Fury-Usyk battle for all the belts appeared to be on the ice.
Fury stated that he would like to face Usyk next
In September, Usyk, the cruiserweight king beat AJ unanimously at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to win the WBA, IBF and WBO straps.
Joshua and Eddie Hearn, his promoter, were both determined to face Usyk immediately after the fight.
In a surprising twist of events, Hearn revealed that Joshua might be open to receiving a fee for stepping aside to allow Fury or Usyk to compete for the title.
Fury's promoter Arum told Rich Eisen that Saudi Arabia wants to stage Fury against Usyk on March.
Joshua gave the hope to the couple that he would be willing to leave with an interview he did last year.
The two-time heavyweight champion stated that he was against the idea of a step aside. 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."
He confessed that he was not sure if stepping aside is in keeping with morality... But I want to be known for being one of the most intelligent businessmen.
"I want to make smart decisions, and if money is right, we would have to consider it. But respect has more value that 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.
Hearn also confirmed that Fury's team reached out to him earlier this week about a possible deal.
Joshua may agree to a step aside if he is certain he can face his opponent.
