Usyk's manager: "AJ is very likely to step aside"

Joshua could do that if he trusted himself and his chin. He doesn't.

Fact number 1: Step aside money will not be as much as he earns fighting Usyk.

Fact number 2: Step aside money comes with risks of never getting a shot at all the belts again.

Joshua could take a tune up fight like Dillian Whyte did and get knocked out cold because his chin isn't the best and then Joshua doesn't get his shot at the belts. The next champion could also freeze him out as mandatories mean little to boxing organizations anymore.

Joshua needs to take his rematch beating like a man, collect his check from Usyk and retire to follow his true passion, instagram bodybuilding.

 

AJ could get the step aside money and another fight which would earn him more money while Fury and Usyk fight. He could face Whyte or Ruiz again, maybe Wilder. All would be viable fights. He wins that fight and gets a shot later in 2022.

 

Good Points but AJ's the only heavyweight who can fill football stadiums. This alone is a near guarantee of at least 1 more title shot.

 

He will bring all the money but end up getting the smaller split.

 

Personally I think Joshua would be MAD to not take the step-aside money

1) IMO he's never gonna beat Usyk, and this gives him the perfect opportunity to duck the rematch without seeming like he is ducking
2) Joshua has ditched McCracken and working with a new trainer - if they are serious about this and working on "his dawg" and being more aggressive, then he would be wise to take a tune up or 2, build some confidence and really work with the coach.
3) Maybe, if AJ rediscovers that early style and builds his mental game (take one to give one), he could possibly turn things around against Usyk, or stand a better chance against Fury. I highly doubt it, but going straight in to an immediate rematch with Usyk could more or less end his career IMO

 

Mentally shot fighter. Done.

 

I doubt this happens, but taking step aside money does make sense for the reasons @gollumsluvslave mentioned.

Another few reasons:
1) AJ may have a better chance of beating Fury than Usyk - Usyk seemed to have him figured out while Fury is quite unpredictable, his preparations are sometimes suspect, and can be hurt (although he recovers incredibly fast to be honest).
2) AJ-Fury is where the big money lies, for all the belts. So from the $$$ point of view the key is, who has a better chance to beat Usyk, Fury or Joshua. And on current evidence you'd have to say Fury.

Per other posters, Joshua is not so much of a wreck that he can't beat some semi-decent opponent as a stay-busy / tune-up / implement new learning. Based on last night Michael Hunter is there for the taking, or he could UD Parker again for example. He could beat a Helenius or Wallin without too much risk either IMHO.

I do still expect Joshua to take the rematch because he can't quite believe that what happened vs Usyk wasn't a fluke, and because he may feel that his public image requires him to seek to avenge the loss ASAP (even though there's no shame in stepping aside for a undisputed unification).

 

Don't think even Joshua believes it.

He boxed Usyk and lost but he still has the option of "brawling". He has got just one way to beat Fury instead of 2. After losing 9 rounds to a blown up CW Joshua's belief in his boxing skills is at an all time low.

 

Disagree that Joshua could never beat Usyk. I do think the fight between the winner of Usyk and Fury never materializes with Joshua. Stepping aside and gambling on it happening would be a mistake. It won't generate the money, and there's little interest for it. Better to take the rematch, and go out on his shield.

 

AJ should step aside for free, do anything to avoid fighting Usyk next because he'll get stopped this time.

He needs a fight or two to figure something out. Let Fury and Usyk settle things and then face Fury win or lose because people want to see that.

 

If that is true then Fury better pay for the privilege.

 

AJ needs more time.

He can beat old and slow Usyk, but I don't think Usyk will be slow until he becomes undisputed.

 

He wouldn't step aside without a contractual obligation from both fighters to be their first defense. Good luck to him getting all parties to agree to that.