Usyk warned Joshua: "I'm coming for you" and has indicated he would not be willing to step aside to allow the all-British world title clash to go ahead with the four major world belts on the line. In this scenario, it is likely Joshua, assuming he defeats Pulev, has two choices: fight Usyk or vacate the WBO belt in order to pursue Fury.

What is Fury's situation?

After a controversial draw against Wilder in December 2018, Fury made sure there was no doubt in the rematch with a brutal seventh-round stoppage of the American in February. It was widely assumed they would complete the trilogy next month but Fury said he had "moved on" from that prospect after claiming Wilder and his team sought to push back the contest to next year. Fury instead said he would have a homecoming fight in London on December 5, with either former European champion Agit Kabayel or Carlos Takam rumoured to be top of the wishlist.

How has Wilder reacted to this?

Wilder, who had surgery on his left bicep after losing to Fury, has largely been tight-lipped after the first defeat of his professional career. However, he ended his silence on Saturday evening with an explosive post on his social channels telling Fury to be "be a man" and honour a contractual agreement between the pair, instead of trying to "weasel out" of the fight. Wilder also alleged Fury "put something hard" in his gloves before their last meeting although there is no evidence to support such a statement. In July the Briton released a video of his hands being wrapped when similar claims were made.