Atlas points to AJ`s interview where he says he`s a business man, AJ did not want to turn pro after winning gold,he said he never wanted to box for money, he was happy with his money, Lennox Lewis convinced him to turn pro, his heart was never in it, now Hearn has taught him the business side of things and that`s all he`s interested in. This content is protected
The problem is that if AJ got the belts back he'd probably have to fight Fury and whatever he may say in public, deep down he doesn't want that fight. He's already got PTSD and being whooped by Fury would haunt him for the rest of his days. On some level he's happy to lose again to Usyk.
AJ yes is a business/corporate man, but he is one because of those belts. Would AJ have even got one per cent of his present wealth without the belts?. No. See the way AJ dealt with the Ruiz loss, he put the hard yards in, corrected some failings and regained the belts (with aid of Ruiz the buffet eater). If AJ is solely in the sport as a businessman then he would see a Fury fight with belts on the line by both sides as a business bonanza, a money making opportunity without compare. AJ definitely wants those belts This content is protected
Problem is, the guy who has the belts doesn't fight for money. He fights for glory and glory comes from winning. And winning comes from skill and hard work. Joshua has above average skill and claims to do the work, but Usyk will out work him and out box him again.
Anyone that turns pro and doesn't consider themselves a business man is a fool and will end up bruised and poor
I'm confident he doesn't possess the eye of the tiger that fighters like Duran, Frazier or Holyfield had. I think at some level Atlas is right, now that Joshua is a multi millionaire who's set for life I can't see him fighting a long career because he likes the combat.
Teddy Atlas is full of crap, as usual. As far as AJ being a businessman goes, it doesn't take a businessman to see the option to accept a large amount of free cash while also securing your shot at the belts at the same time, is obviously a choice worth heavy consideration. AJ can secure the free money, fight for the belts, AND get his rematch with Usyk. It can literally all happen if he accepts the step aside money.
The HW world title still matters. If you are the current HW champ of the world that means you get huge purses regardless. Being HW champ is a big ****ing deal.
The problem there is, I got the impression Joshua's goal was to be the first 4 belt champion. Plus if he steps aside, he will likely have to wait for Fury v Usyk, and likely Fury v Usyk 2. Maybe Fury comes out on top and threatens retirement again. It would have to be a silly amount of step aside as Fury's flip flopping brings way too much risk. If he doesn't want the belts to be fractured, then he has to wait for mandatories to be dealt with. I don't think step-aside is a realistic option at all.
I'd agree if Usyk and Fury were fiscally on a similar level to Joshua in earnings per fight. I think it would make sense for Joshua to both take the money but more importantly have a bit of time with a new trainer to just add a couple of things to make the Usyk rematch closer. I've said on other threads that Joshua just needs to make it close looking and he would get the nod especially in the UK. I agree about Atlas talking crap though although that's nothing new to be fair.
