Anthony Joshua is set to take on Carlos Takam with his WBA, IBF and IBO titles on the line this Saturday in Cardiff, Wales, but talk of an all-British bout with former world champion Tyson Fury refuses to go away.

The Gypsy King has been out of action since winning WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts against Wladimir Klitschko nearly two years ago and now AJ owns all but one of those straps with Joseph Parker holding the WBO title.

Apart from being one of the most outlandish characters in boxing, Fury also boasts an unbeaten record, is a former world champion and is still only 29-years-old.

There's certainly interest in seeing him have a big domestic showdown with Joshua, but regaining his boxing licence will be the first challenge.

Due to investigations surrounding anti-doping and medical issues, Fury vacated the belts last year before the British Boxing Board of Control stripped him of his licence.

Fury has also appeared seriously out of shape during his sabbatical from boxing and many doubt if a man who readily admits he hates training can get himself back in a suitable condition to face an athlete like AJ.

Joshua has left the door open for a fight with Fury, but only if he can prove himself with the extra weight and win a tune-up fight or two.

"What was [Fury's] fighting weight - 18 stone?" asked Joshua.

"Even if he comes back at 22 stone, [former champion George] Foreman came back bigger when he was in his prime.

"If he wants to fight and gets his licence at 30 or 40 stone, if he wants to get in the ring and he shows he can move about and control that weight, people will watch him.

"But if he comes back at that weight and he's getting into trouble against journeymen, then people won't be interested.

"So, it's how he performs at his new weight."

It would be a tall order for Fury to have his first fight in a few years against Joshua, so showing he can still go whatever his weight is a reasonable idea.

AJ's promoter Eddie Hearn agreed with that sentiment and suggested that if Fury strung a couple of wins together, the fight could be made. However, unifying the heavyweight division remains Joshua's plan.

"If [Fury] had a couple of fights and showed that he was actually back in the game, then it might be something to consider," said Hearn.