Promoter Eddie Hearn has warned Tyson Fury that Anthony Joshua would "fight him in a heartbeat" and that he is ready to start negotiating a fight between the two of them.
Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), who hasn't fought since his Nov. 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko, has regularly taken to social media to suggest that he does not need tune-up fights to be ready for IBF and WBA champion Joshua.
However, while Hearn is keen to see the two of them in the ring together, he admitted Fury is not the only thing on Joshua's radar given
"I spoke to Tyson this morning [Jan. 10]," Hearn told ESPN. "We are ready to talk and negotiate a fight with Fury.
"It won't be next. That will be a unification fight [for Joshua] but we want to see Tyson Fury back in the ring. We can't base our career on a guy that has been out for two-and-a-half years.
"Let's see if you're real. We'll fight you in a heartbeat."
Joshua's [20-0, 20 KOs] next fight is set to be against WBO champion Joseph Parker which is currently being negotiated by Hearn and the New Zealand fighter's promoter David Higgins.
"Most of the points [of the deal] we are over the line with," Hearn said. "But there is also points that we can easily have arguments about.
"We might get Parker on a plane this weekend and all being well, hopefully we can announce the fight next week."
With news that a deal was close, Anthony Joshua took to Twitter to tease fans, stating: "Hold your breath, news coming soon."