Anthony Joshua is adamant neither he nor Tyson Fury are overlooking their respective “banana skin” opponents as anticipation builds towards a potential showdown between the two world heavyweight champions next year.

It is understood Joshua’s defence of his WBA, IBF and WBO crowns against Kubrat Pulev has been pencilled in for December 12 at London’s O2 Arena while Fury, the WBC champion, is committed to a third bout with Deontay Wilder.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn and Fury himself have already confirmed an initial agreement is in place for a blockbuster two fights between the British pair next year provided they avoid upset defeats in their next contests.

“I respect him, I don’t really know him but I respect him as a human. I could continue to talk but the best talking will be done in the ring. It’s the best place to let our gloves do the talking.”

Joshua was pictured in a knee brace while attending a Black Lives Matter event earlier in the summer but he revealed he is back in training and enjoying it as he prepares for Pulev.

Joshua said: “It’s enjoyable at the minute and as the fight gets closer I just want it to stay like this, I don’t it to become a stressful period in my life.

“I’m actually enjoying training and they do say a happy fighter makes a good fighter.”