Anthony Joshua reportedly scoffed at Tyson Fury’s step aside offer and told Eddie Hearn there was “no way” he would accept, as he prepares to fight Oleksandr Usyk in a mouth-watering rematch.

Since AJ’s shocking loss to Usyk, there has been much speculation regarding an undisputed fight between Fury and the unbeaten Ukrainian.

The former unified champion from Watford was offered an astronomical £15 million to sit on the sidelines.

Joshua was considering the deal until reports broke that The Gypsy King wanted a warm-up fight before facing Usyk. 

According to DAZN promoter Hearn, AJ wanted to fight the winner but it was Fury who made further alterations to the deal.

“All those conversations were instigated by Tyson Fury’s team, we were prepared to listen and try make it happen

“If it made AJ get a shot at the winner of that fight and it's financially a good deal, we'll consider it.

Britain Boxing - Anthony Joshua v Dominic Breazeale IBF World Heavyweight Title - The O2 Arena, London - 25/6/16

Anthony Joshua celebrates his win with Eddie Hearn

Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge

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"The deal was very simple: Fury vs Usyk. Winner fights Joshua.

"One of the problems was that do we trust him to fight March 26, June, and December? Warm-up, Usyk, Joshua? No way.

"The deal that we discussed, first of all, was no longer the deal because Tyson Fury wouldn't fight Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua said, 'No way, no way.'"

As a result of the step-aside deal falling apart, WBC mandatory Dillian Whyte is set to have his long-awaited crack at a world title by fighting Fury in April.

Whereas, AJ will have an opportunity to get his revenge against Usyk in May or June.

Despite both fights being agreed upon, exact dates have yet to be confirmed. Not to mention, Whyte’s stunning silence since being confirmed as Fury’s next opponent.

Whyte and Fury have until the 21st of February to sign their bout agreements, otherwise, there might be another twist in this heavyweight saga.