John Fury backs ‘brilliant athlete’ Anthony Joshua to avenge Oleksandr Usyk loss

Joshua is set for a rematch against Usyk next Spring despite ongoing talks of a step aside deal to allow an undisputed heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury

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Eddie Hearn hits out at Tyson Fury’s promoter

Anthony Joshua ‘s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk is being overshadowed by an ongoing step aside deal, but John Fury has backed ‘AJ’ to avenge his loss if the fight takes place.

Joshua lost his heavyweight titles to Usyk earlier this year and immediately triggered his rematch clause with the former cruiserweight king.

Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn fuelled speculation that ‘AJ’ could step aside from his rematch with Usyk and allow Tyson Fury to have an undisputed title fight with the Ukrainian.

WBC titleholder Fury has insisted he wants Joshua to make his decision about the rematch by this weekend.

And Fury’s father John thinks Joshua’s massive price demand for the step aside fight shows the Brit is keen to avenge his loss.

“It’s business boxing and I do believe AJ wants to fight Usyk, that’s why he asked for £40 million. I’d ask for £70 million, so good luck AJ,” he told iFL TV.

“But I do believe AJ wants to avenge his loss and he can bounce back, he’s proved it. In AJ’s case now it’s not about the money, it’s more of a pride thing with him.

“I don’t blame the lad, I’ve had a lot of good nights with him. He’s a brilliant athlete, let’s not kick a man whilst he’s down because he’s better than that.”

Hearn has changed his tune on a step aside deal, originally telling Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum the fight was ” none of his f******” business “.

Fury threatened to sack his promoters last month if they are unable to secure him a return to the ring by February or early March.

It’s expected ‘The Gypsy King’ will defend his title against domestic rival Dillian Whyte next, despite the WBC delaying their decision to rule Whyte as mandatory challenger.

Can Anthony Joshua avenge his loss to Oleksandr Usyk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below

And Fury is hopeful that Joshua will come to an agreement to allow an undisputed fight to take place.

“I want him to step aside so I can absolutely batter Oleksandr Usyk. But if he does he does and if he doesn’t it doesn’t happen,” Fury told iFL TV.

“But one thing I will say is get the f*** on with it, either take the money and f*** off or fight the man either way one or the other.

“He can talk to my advisor on what is going on with people and step-aside money because I don’t get involved at all.

“I am not a businessman, I am a f****** spartan and I am only interested in knocking mother******* out.

“I have heard a certain little person called AJ talk about being a businessman recently but I will fight to the end, this is nothing to do with business or whoever I am fighting.”