EDDIE HEARN confirmed that Anthony Joshua was offered a step-up fee for Tyson Fury in order to fight Oleksandr Uzyk.
The promoter insists that no agreement was made for Usyk to be released from his contract rematch in order to unify the heavyweight belts instead with Fury.
Anthony Joshua has been paid a fee to allow Oleksandr Uzyk to fight Tyson Fury
DAZN Boxing was told by Hearn that there had been an offer and several talks with him.
"I cannot rule it out, it is not my job. AJ is the boss. He is very intelligent about the plan. He won't do it."
Joshua, 32, lost to Usyk (34), in September, but his contract provided for an immediate rematch.
This was done, but soon after, negotiations took place for Fury (33), to be defeated in the Middle East for their undisputed crown.
To allow unification to take place, Fury and AJ's WBC mandatory challenger Dillian Youte (33), would have to be paid for his time.
Hearn acknowledged that financials were not the only thing that would have to be guaranteed. Hearn also admitted that Usyk and Fury must be fought.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALSHe stated that there was no agreement for him to resign. There are conversations. I will have those conversations with him.
"He wants to rematch Oleksandr Uzyk. And until that time comes, a long-form agreement comes to us. It makes sense.
"This goes far beyond a step-aside payment. Negotiations are necessary to get the money. This is the plan.
He wants to win the heavyweight title back. He has an opportunity right now to do so, Oleksandr Usyk vs. him.
"Any other plan must be solid. Not hoping you win.
He's not looking for a new plan or a way to get by. He will always be the one calling the shots. He has made it very clear what that shot looks.
Hearn insists that AJ is focused only on Usyk, avenging the loss but admits they have to be open to other options.
This could mean paying a fee to be allowed to leave and organizing an interim fight, possibly with a new coach.
Hearn said that Anthony has never dared anyone and that he doesn't want any one to think he's avoiding the challenge.
"Sometimes, you need to think with your head. Anthony isn't about the money, although there is a clever play.
"If the plan is logical from a development perspective, it might be worth working with a new trainer or having a fight as a first.
He cares about legacy. He thinks only about Oleksandr Usyk."
According to The Telegraph, Joshua had been reported as being open to accepting a PS15m step-off fee. However, Joshua himself confirmed that no such deal had been accepted.
Hearn said, "I think that AJ has always been the boss. He's always been who makes the calls and makes the decisions.
"There has been much speculation in the newspapers about a deal. Sometimes, that can be a bit of a distraction.
"When a deal is done, you'll hear from me."
