Arum: "Joshua better take the interim fight, and let the Fury-Usyk fight take place"

Bob Arum, promoter of Tyson Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs) is still hoping Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) will give way and allow his ward to unify all heavyweight belts with Alexander Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs).

The Ukrainian stripped AJ of the IBF, WBA and WBO titles after beating him on points in late September. However, Usyk had earlier signed a contact that included a rematch clause should he win and is now obliged to give the Englishman a chance to get even for his defeat. For Fury's part, a mandatory defence with Dillian Whyte (28-2, 19 KOs) is likely looming. But it could be postponed if the Usicki and Fury teams agreed to a unification meeting.

"It would make sense for Joshua to have an interim fight with someone else first after such a loss, and allow Usick to have a unification meeting with Fury and then be guaranteed a fight with the winner. "It would have been logical, but unfortunately it's not all up to me," said the head of promoter Top Rank, one of the two promoters of 'The King of Gypsy' along with Frank Warren.

Shortly after his loss to Usyk, Joshua activated a rematch clause and assured that he is not even considering another option. According to initial statements, the rematch will take place at the turn of March and April.