Eddie Hearn says that a PS40million step-aside agreement for Anthony Joshua is "virtually impossible" as the Brit attacks Usyk.

EDDIE HEARN states that it is 'virtually impossible for Anthony Joshua' to allow Tyson Fury face Oleksandr Uzyk.

Team Usyk reached Joshua's camp to inquire if he would be open to a rematch with the newly-crowned unified heavyweight champion.

The WBC ordered a Battle of Britain, and titleholder Tyson Fury and Dillian Howte were the participants. This has allowed AJ to rematch his conqueror in the near future.

Hearn, Matchroom Boxing chief, recently wrote in his BBC column, "There has been lots of talk about Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury, and Dillian Whyte."

Joshua is not being offered a step-in offer, but rumours are exaggerated. His main focus was always on Usyk's rematch.

"If there were a conversation to have, we'd have it. But the announcement by the WBC makes this almost impossible.

"Dillian is Fury's mandatory now, it's been a long wait."

Negotiations are ongoing for the long-awaited showdown between Fury and Whyte, who were mandated earlier in the month.

Both parties continue to fight over who gets the lucrative purse.

Hearn stated that while we await confirmation of the split, it is almost certain that Fury v Whyte will be seen in the spring of 2022.

AJ was defeated by Usyk on points in September's showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Now, AJ is determined to exact revenge on the slick southpaw.

He said to iFL TV, "I have one thought in my head, that's War, that is Murder, that is war, let's get out there and hurt this guy."

"Take his soul until he is ready to give up. That's boxing, that's what I know.

"Don't be afraid to hit people, and they will soon realize that you won't go anywhere. You're here to stay.

"With the gameplan, that's all that I have at the moment, that one track. Stay on course, take him to places he doesn’t want to."