For the sake of argument, let's say he (Wilder) beats Fury but loses to AJ. It's a brilliant move, then. He improves his bargaining position with Joshua after beating Fury. Assuming he'd lose to AJ anyway (not saying he would, mind you), he's wise to get as much as he can from the fight. So he beats the guy (Fury) who some say would beat AJ. He can also build his case on the foundation that "Joshua didn't want to fight me so up stepped Fury and did what AJ was too scared (true or not) to do."

Personally, it's hard to find fault in the strategy. $15m? Wilder will want to talk about that after he dispatches Fury.