In an interview with Sky Sports’ Thierry Henry, Anthony Joshua has revealed that he rates Tyson Fury as his toughest would-be opponent in the heavyweight division.

When questioned on who he thought would be his toughest opponent out of current WBO Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, current WBC champ Deontay Wilder, or former champion Fury, Joshua went for the self-proclaimed Gypsy-King. He described 29-year-old Fury as being an ‘unpredictable’ and ‘awkward’ fighter.

Many see 2018 as being a potentially career-defining year for Joshua as he looks to follow on from a successful 2017 which saw him defeat Wladimir Klitschko and Carlos Takam.

The 25-year-old Englishman, who currently holds the IBO, IBF and WBA belts is believed to be close to agreeing a bout with New Zealander Joseph Parker to take place in early 2018.

However, the fight with Fury is the one boxing fans worldwide want to see happen.

I always say I think Fury will be the toughest if he comes back in shape," Joshua said.

"The reason is as I say I think he's awkward in the mind and he's awkward in his style so everything about him is unpredictable.

"He doesn't have one significant style. He may move around the ring and try to steal the win, he may just jab the whole fight. I've seen him fight John McDermott years ago when he would try and fight with you.

"He's good because he can mix it up, he's a man of many trades."

Watch the video below to also hear AJ's verdict on Parker and Wilder too:

Before that all-British showdown can happen, though there are still some significant obstacles to overcome, not least the fact that Fury does not currently hold a licence to box in the UK.

The British Boxing Board of Control will meet in January to discuss whether or not to give him his licence back. Fury recently accepted a backdated 2-year suspension after he tested positive for a banned steroid almost 3 years ago.

Having not boxed competitively since November 2015, Fury must also prove that he can back-up his frequent call-outs to Joshua on social media by committing himself to hard-work in the gym.

If these obstacles can be overcome, one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in British boxing history could be around the corner.