Dubois vs Parker: What next for Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and the rest of the heavyweight division

Joshua, like many of his rivals, is biding his time. One thing we do know is the two-time heavyweight champion will carry on fighting after being knocked out by Dubois last September.

He has endless options, including Martin Bakole or Wilder, but it seems Joshua will focus his attention on fighting Fury or the winner of Dubois-Parker.

But it seems he will have competition because WBA, WBC, and WBO champion Usyk has said he would also want to fight the winner.

Should Parker beat Dubois, Joshua would certainly not turn down the chance to become a three-time world champion against an opponent he has already beaten while Dubois would likely prioritise a rematch with Usyk over Joshua should he retain his title.

At 35, Joshua is in the latter stages of his career, but Wardley is convinced he can “reach the heights” he once did.

“He isn’t done yet,” Wardley said.

“Regardless of whether is Fury or not, there is more to give. There’s more to prove to other people rather than more to achieve, maybe.

“He has done everything you can think of but in our own brains, us boxers are not always the most methodical.

“A lot of us make decisions on heart and instinct, and in his soul he may feel there is more to his career and legacy.”

As for Usyk, the 38-year-old has said he expects to fight just twice more before retiring.

It appears to rule out a mooted return to cruiserweight to face the big-hitting Jai Opetaia, but don’t expect any quick decisions from the Ukrainian.