Inside the ropes, Oleksandr Usyk knows both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury well.

The Ukrainian shared 24 rounds with ‘AJ’, beating him to win the unified heavyweight titles before successfully defending them in an immediate rematch. After a defence against Daniel Dubois – who will now face Joshua in September – Usyk beat Fury to become undisputed, hurting him considerably to score a 10-8 round before again winning on points.

Always a man of few words but one who picks them carefully, Usyk said Joshua when asked by Boxing King Media who would win the all-British fight should it happen in the next six months

“I guess Anthony. AJ.”

Only recently in an interview with the same outlet did the Ukrainian say Fury was his toughest opponent, meaning he must be subscribing to the ‘styles make fights’ thinking for this particular prediction.

Joshua has been on a run of good form since the back-to-back losses, beating Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou. It’s largely agreed that his partnership with former Fury coach Ben Davison is a good one.

Fury – although performing at his peak against Usyk and having perhaps more success than any other heavyweight against him – had a lacklustre display against Ngannou prior to that.

There’s a distinct chance the all-British grudge match happens next year, but a few things must first take place to increase its likelihood.

Joshua must beat Dubois, who was recently elevated to IBF World Champion when Usyk vacated the belt, to become a three-time world champion. Fury then would have to get his revenge against Usyk on December 21 to win the WBC, WBA and WBO belts.

Whilst the Fury-Joshua bout wouldn’t be guaranteed at that point, nothing in boxing ever is, the two Brits holding all four belts would be the best scenario for its chances.

Of course, Usyk and Dubois won’t be considering what scenario is the most lucrative, rather just focusing on holding onto their belts during a significant few months for the heavyweight division.