Fury vs Usyk 2: What next for Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and the heavyweight division?

Promoter Frank Warren said Fury will take some time to assess his options, although there was no suggestion from either the fighter or his team that retirement is likely.

After years of failed negotiations, now might be a perfect – and realistic – time for Fury to cash in on an all-British fight with Joshua.

There are no obstacles. The lack of world titles is something of a blessing, and we’re not dependent on results going a certain way or mandatory challengers stepping aside.

Joshua was easily separated by Dubois in September and some boxing enthusiasts will tell you that the Fury-AJ ship has already sailed.

But the two-time world champion’s promoter Eddie Hearn is describing it as the “biggest fight” in Britain.

It depends on how you define greatest.

Fury v Joshua is no longer the best vs the best. But is it better late than never? It is still a rivalry steeped in its own history. So what do we have to lose?

Even the biggest skeptics will no doubt be caught off guard by the inevitable polemic that Fury will provide at a press conference. Or when the mask of the usually respectable Joshua slips after he’s offended by Fury’s antics.

Their influence and stardom transcends the sport.

If 60 million people are willing to tune in to see Mike Tyson fight Jake Paul, then even past best versions of Fury and Joshua – regardless of the losses on their records – are sure to draw punters.

The loser – or maybe even both men – can then happily sail off into the sunset with one last payday.