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

There are no obstacles. The lack of world titles is something of a blessing and we are not reliant on results going a particular way or mandatory challengers having to step aside.

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

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

It depends on how you define biggest.

Fury v Joshua is no longer the best versus 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 sceptics will no doubt be reeled in by the inevitable controversy Fury will provide at a news conference. Or when the mask of the usually respectable Joshua slips after he is offended by Fury’s antics.

Their influence and stardom transcends the sport.

If 60 million people are willing to tune in to watch Mike Tyson fight Jake Paul, then even past-their-prime versions of Fury and Joshua – regardless of the losses on their records – will surely pull in the punters.

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