By Jack Tiernan: The purse bid for WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s ordered fight against mandatory Dillian Whyte has been extended to January 26th.
This is due to a deal being worked on to have Anthony Joshua and Whyte paid a step aside so that Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs) and IBF/WBA/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk can meet for the undisputed championship next.
There is reported interest from the Middle East to pay Joshua and Whyte to step aside so that the boxing world can see the fight they’ve been asking for between Fury and Usyk.
Joshua can make big money
As of Thursday, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn still believes that is the most likely scenario, but he could be wrong. The money that Joshua will make fighting the Fury vs. Usyk match winner will be HUGE, potentially $50 million.
It’s an excellent deal for Joshua if he steps aside because not only will he avoid an almost certain second loss to Usyk, but he’ll be paid handsomely.
You can understand why Hearn might not be too happy about seeing Joshua step aside because he won’t get a chance to avenge his loss to Usyk from last September. He badly needs to help restore his popularity to where it was before that humiliating loss.
Joshua will continue to be viewed as damaged goods for all intents and purposes until he can avenge that loss.
The @WBCBoxing has received requests from both sides @Tyson_Fury & @DillianWhyte to extend the free negotiation period which has been granted . If there is no agreement a purse offer ceremony will take place on Wednesday January 26 @trboxing @MatchroomBoxing @MTKGlobal
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) January 21, 2022
The best way for Joshua to restore his good standing with the boxing public is to avenge his loss to Usyk, but he won’t get the opportunity to do so anytime soon if the step aside deal is made.
If the step aside deal can be done, Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) and Whyte will sit on the sidelines and wait on the Fury vs. Usyk fight results. It’s believed that Joshua will have first dibs to fight the winner, then Whyte will get his chance afterward.
Warren sounds optimistic
“All I can tell you is that everyone in boxing wants to see the unification match between Tyson and Usyk. I want to see that as a fan, so I’m on the same page as that one,” said promoter Frank Warren on Friday morning to iFL TV. “Hopefully, we’ll get it over the line; we’ll see.
“I think it’ll all be revealed this evening. I literally can’t say anything at the moment. We’re still working on things today as we’re speaking, and I don’t think they’ll reveal anything this evening.
I believe over the weekend; we’ll make some progress where we’re trying to get to. Fingers crossed.
Hearn talks step aside
“There’s a substantial amount of money available,” said Eddie Hearn to All Out Fighting on the reports of Joshua being offered £15 million and Dillian Whyte £5 million to step aside, so the Fury vs. Usyk undisputed fight can take place next.
“There are people that want to make these routes happen, but it’s not just about the money. It’s about the plan. AJ’s not interested in you giving him some money and saying, ‘See you later, mate.
“He wants to know what the actual plan is, and that’s the same with Dillian Whyte, he’s been waiting a long time, and if he has to wait a couple of more months, that’s ok, but how does it work?” said Hearn.
The plan is simple for Joshua. He’s paid to step aside so that Fury can face Usyk, and then he’ll battle the winner for all the marbles. It might be a bitter pill for Joshua to swallow being seen stepping aside, but in the end, it’ll have been worth it for him to do so.
Instead of Joshua thinking about himself, he needs to consider the overall picture in terms of the fans. The boxing world wants to see Fury face Usyk right now, as those two are the champions, and they’re both undefeated.
Joshua needs to put the fans first instead of his own needs with his desire for revenge.
Joshua has had his chance, and he’s lost twice, and his career is looking murky. Even with Hearn working his magic in terms of match-making, it’s unlikely he’s going to be able to salvage Joshua’s career.
Whyte wants to make sure he gets his title shot, but if he’s going to be paid £5 million to wait, it’s a great deal for him.
