This did not change Usyk’s view. He has made it clear that if Fury and Joshua agree terms, he is willing to step aside and let the long-delayed British heavyweight fight take place first.
“My plan hasn’t changed. I have three fights. But now I understand Tyson didn’t sign with AJ,” Usyk told Daily Mail Boxing.
“If AJ and Greedy sign a contract, I’ll just stay back. Okay, you’d rather fight each other, because I want to help AJ beat Tyson Fury.”
By telling the world he’s willing to wait, Usyk is basically saying Fury isn’t a threat he’s worried about. He’s already beaten him twice, so he’s acting from a position of total superiority. It’s hard for Fury to claim Usyk is “running” when Usyk is the one with the wins.
Usyk knows the boxing world has been waiting almost a decade for Fury vs. Joshua. By stepping aside, he comes across as the “people’s champion” who cares more about the fans than a payday.
If AJ Fury actually beats, a trilogy between Usyk and Joshua for the undisputed crown would be one of the biggest financial events in sports history.
Joshua is believed to be part of a two-fight plan that could put him in line to meet Fury later this year if both sides win their next fights.
Meanwhile, Usyk will defend his heavyweight titles against Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23. Victory there would keep him at the forefront of every major heavyweight discussion, whether Fury chooses Joshua, a trilogy, or a completely different route.
