Step aside initiatives: The roadblocks to making Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury

Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41KOs) and Kubrat Pulev (28-1-0, 14KOs) both have the power to block the mega-undisputed heavyweight championship fight between Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21KOs) and Anthony Joshua (23-1-0, 21KOs) from happening next. Pulev is Joshua’s mandatory for the IBF belt, and Wilder has a contractual right to exercise a rematch clause after losing to Fury in February. In order for the title fight to happen immediately, Pulev and Wilder will have to be paid millions of dollars to step aside from their rightful title shots.

Without a doubt, Fury vs. Wilder will be the biggest and most lucrative fight in recent memory. Either fighter can sell out any UK venue no matter who they face; imagine how much demand a fight between the two of them will generate. Boxing fans would rather see Wilder gain some momentum and show improvements before facing Fury again. Wilder’s lopsided defeat devastated his aura of invincibility, and fans need to be reassured that he can be a stiff challenge for Fury. It’s no secret that many people’s opinions have changed about Wilder, but his power will continue to be potent. He has the chance to make unbelievable money without fighting Fury, while boosting his confidence and boxing acumen against lesser opposition in the meantime.

Kubrat Pulev’s last title shot resulted in a knockout loss against future hall-of-famer Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. He hasn’t lost since then, and is fully deserving of an IBF mandatory position for Joshua’s belt. Getting Pulev to step aside will be less costly than Fury’s team having to pay off Wilder to not exercise his rematch clause.

Fury and Joshua must fight their respective opponents outside the ring in order for their mega-fight to happen soon. Paying off Pulev and Wilder is worth the price, as the undisputed heavyweight UK blockbuster will be the biggest fight in the United Kingdom’s boxing history. Fury and Joshua could make close to $100 million if they square off, and their camps will do anything in their power to make this fight happen while it is at peak demand.