The ongoing saga surrounding Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and all of the world heavyweight championship belts took a wild turn recently when arbitration ordered Fury to grant Wilder his contracted rematch, despite promoter Bob Arum's claims "The Bronze Bomber" had missed his chance to invoke it and it had expired in October.
The ruling threatens to wipe the proposed four-belt unification between "AJ" and Fury to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion completely off the table, just as we looked set to finally get a confirmed date and venue for the bout this summer.
Fingers have been pointed and speculation has been rife all week, and on the latest DAZN Boxing Show, Ak and Barak attempted to get their heads around the entire situation and who is at fault.
Ak was adamant that Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, had operated in good faith from the outset.
"What else can he do," asked Ak. "He's making it clear that we were told that this wouldn't be a problem; that the most that can happen is that there'll be some damages, some fees.
"Okay, pay a couple of million dollars or whatever, that's nothing compared to what the fight is worth.
"And if you're being told that, then it's your job to do the other end, get the site fee, get the site, get the venue, you know, and make sure your fight is ready.
"And that's what he did. He's blameless in the situation”
Barak, meanwhile, said he cannot see Wilder taking a payment to let Joshua vs. Fury happen because of how important avenging his only pro defeat is to his career going forward.
He explained: “It's about getting revenge. Let's say Wilder takes step-aside money, and then allows Fury to fight Joshua. And then what if Joshua wins? Or then he'll never be able to fight Fury again. What if Fury wins and then retires!”
Ak added: "It seems like Frank Warren does seem more open to giving Wilder step-aside money, and wouldn’t it be good advice for Wilder to take the money and get the guarantee of the winner? He wins twice.”
Barak maintained his stance that it isn't about money, however, replying: “It's not like he (Wilder) needs that step-aside money.
"A man that stands on principle is a dangerous man and a man who stands on principle can't be bought.”