Anthony Joshua has insisted Francis Ngannou's knockdown of the Tyson Fury gives him even more confidence of coming out on top in an all-British clash.
Fury and Joshua's careers have been intrinsically linked for a decade now with the British duo dominating the heavyweight scene in that time.
There have been ongoing talks for several years now to get both of them in the ring together, but an agreement has never materialised.
With Joshua back in action this weekend as part of the huge 'Day of Reckoning' card in Saudi Arabia, talk of a potential future bout with Fury has been reignited.
Anthony Joshua flexed his muscles
SKYSPORTS
Joshua is looking to rebuild his career after losing back-to-back fights to Oleksandr Usyk and will be hoping to make it three victories in 2023 when he faces Otto Wallin.
Fury fought Wallin back in 2019 and couldn't stop the Swedish giant after suffering a large cut above his right eye early in the bout.
This will be Joshua's biggest test of the year after coming through fights against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius relatively unscathed.
But even while trying to remain focused on this weekend's fight, Joshua gave a hint that his sights are fully set on fighting Fury in the near future.
In an interview on Sky Sports, Joshua was asked about Fury's recent encounter with UFC icon Ngannou, which ended in a split decision after the 'Gypsy King' was knocked down.
And it was how Ngannou managed to put Fury on the canvas that has seemingly sparked Joshua's desire to test himself against the WBC heavyweight champion.
"Trust me, you know what I'm saying. You know what I'm saying," Joshua said with a huge smile while flexing his arms.
"The bodybuilders, the muscly Africans are coming back [laughs].
Anthony Joshua is looking to rebuild his career
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"You know what's going on, I've seen it. I know.
"Imagine what I would do.
"But Joshua didn't want to give the thought of an all-British heavyweight blockbuster any more thought for the time being, interrupting himself to add: "Otto Wallin - That's our focus. So I'm going to end it on that.
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Anthony Joshua faces Otto Wallin this weekend
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"That's my main focus. Otto Wallin. He gave that man, Tyson Fury a good run for his money, he's a great fighter, respect to him. I'm giving him the ultimate respect, even though he doesn't deserve it but I'm giving it to him in my mind.
"Because I want to be the best version and be ready to put myself on the level I need, in order to be victorious."
